Abstract: An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a hold determination unit. The hold determination unit determines, in a case where a rate of decrease of a distance between a first hold-side object and a second hold-side object that set a virtual object as a pinch-and-hold target becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold value, that the virtual object has been held by the first hold-side object and the second hold-side object. Accordingly, a high-quality virtual experience can be achieved.

Abstract: A microcontroller coupled to sensors integrated into a physical toy for monitoring free play activity of a human subject wherein patterns in play activity sensed by the microcontroller are graphically visualized for identification of behavioral milestones, developmental progress and/or behavioral disorders. Specifically, accelerometers detect movement of toys which determine: (1) if the toy is being played with; and (2) the intensity in which the toy is moved. Pressure sensors detect the level and location in which a child may hold a toy. Synchronized with an audiovisual record of the play therapy session and a computer-generated avatar representation of the physical object, this data is integrated to find peak levels of behavior giving clinicians more efficient analytical tools.

Abstract: Provided is a bending meshing type gear device including a wave generator, an external gear flexibly deformed by the wave generator, and an internal gear meshing with the external gear. The internal gear includes an internal tooth ring portion including an internal tooth formed on an inner periphery, an external connection portion connected to an external member, an easily deformable portion provided between the internal tooth ring portion and the external connection portion, and configured to be more easily deformable than the internal tooth ring portion, and a distortion measurer provided in the easily deformable portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to structural health and usage monitoring systems, particularly employing strain sensing means for assessment of the loading history and fatigue damage in an aircraft, vessel, structure or machinery. More specifically, the present invention relates to autonomous systems for recording, processing and assessment of the history of a variety of mechanical and environmental factors affecting structural health in a wide spectrum of applications, such as in mechanical components of a fixed wing or a rotary aircraft, civil structures, machines, windmills, gas or oil pipes and vessels including marine vessels. It also can work as a standalone or integrated sensor or recording device for use in variety of applications where its ultralow power consumption, low cost and multi-sensing capabilities can provide for accurate assessments based on neural network principles of data processing and autonomous monitoring for many years without a need for maintenance or post-processing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a deepwater platform welded joint testing system. The testing system comprises a host unit, a hydraulic unit and a control unit, wherein the control unit is connected with the host unit and the hydraulic unit respectively; the host unit comprises a bearing frame placed on a bearing base, biaxial tension/compression loading oil cylinders mounted on the bearing frame, a lateral force resistant mechanism connected to the front ends of the biaxial tension/compression loading oil cylinders, counter-force supports fixed to the top end of the bearing frame and biaxial bending loading oil cylinders mounted on the counter-force supports.

Abstract: A two-dimensional force sensor for measuring a first force in a first direction and a second force in a second direction. The sensor comprises a first resilient plate oriented in the second direction, a first end of the first resilient plate being arranged for being coupled to a reference point; a second resilient plate oriented in the first direction, a first end of the second resilient plate coupled to a second end of the first resilient plate and a measurement probe coupled to a second end of the second resilient plate. The measurement probe is mounted on an extension device mounted to the second end of the second resilient plate. The extension device positions the measurement probe at a position deviating from an imaginary cross-section point of the first resilient plate and the second resilient plate by no more than 20% of a length of the extension device.

Abstract: A coaxial mid-drive power device of a bicycle includes a reducing structure and a hollow shaft motor engaged with the reducing structure that are disposed in a motor base. An output end of the reducing structure is operatively coupled with a one-way bearing bracket with a sprocket base via a one-way bearing. A crank spindle engaged with the one-way bearing bracket through another one-way bearing penetrates through the motor base. The two one-way bearings respectively have opposite rotation directions and are respectively located on different sides, i.e., an inside and an outside, of the one-way bearing bracket. A strain gauge disposed on the crank spindle is electrically connected to an annular conductive rail assembly engaged with the crank spindle and an elastic sheet assembly on a control circuit board in the motor base, hence the strain gauge could directly obtain a change in a torque of the crank spindle.

Abstract: A flexible electronic sensor array apparatus comprising: a continuous flexible sheet having a length defining a first axis, a width defining a second axis and a thickness comprising a third axis; wherein the flexible sheet comprises multiple flexible sheet layers formed of one or more flexible materials stacked along the third axis; a plurality of electronic sensors disposed within the flexible sheet, each respective sensor comprising at least two conductive pattern layers, the two conductive pattern layers of the respective sensor spaced apart from one another along the third axis by one of the flexible sheet layers interposed between the conductive pattern layers; and wherein each respective sensor of the plurality of sensors is disposed at a different respective position along the first axis or the second axis of the flexible sheet from the remaining sensors, thereby forming an array of sensors spaced along the first and second axes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are vibratory gyroscopes comprising hollow shell resonators and methods of fabricating thereof. Specifically, a vibratory gyroscope comprises a support substrate comprising a substrate primary surface and a resonator support surface, substantially perpendicular to the substrate primary surface. The gyroscope also comprises a hollow shell resonator comprising a resonator inner surface and a resonator outer surface such that the resonator inner surface defines a recessed region with a recessed region opening facing the substrate primary surface. At least one of the inner or outer resonator surfaces is attached to the resonator support surface of the support substrate adjacent to the inner edge surface of the resonator. The inner edge surface can be formed by a hollow stem with or without opening through this surface. Furthermore, the resonator support surface can be a continuous cylindrical surface or a segmented surface.

Abstract: A six-axis Force Torque Transducer (FTT) including a hub and at least one flexural beam disposed on the hub and extending outwardly from the hub. Each of the at least one flexural beams including a U-beam having a substantially U-shaped cross section and at least one beam plate attached to the U-beam at a portion of the U-beam that is remote from the hub. A first strain gauge carrier, including at least one strain gauge, is mounted on an exterior surface of the at least one U-beam. A second strain gauge carrier, including at least one strain gauge, is mounted on an exterior surface of the at least one beam plate. A connection element electrically connects the strain gauges of the first strain gauge carrier and the strain gauges of the second strain gauge carrier in a bridge configuration.

Abstract: A torque detection device includes a first portion, a second portion disposed inside the first portion, and a connecting portion configured to link the first portion and the second portion. The first portion includes a first convex portion that projects toward the second portion. The second portion includes a second convex portion that projects toward the first portion. An inner surface of the first portion and a surface of the first convex portion link to the connecting portion. An outer surface of the second portion and a surface of the second convex portion link to the connecting portion. When torque is applied, the connecting portion deforms, and the first portion and the second portion are displaced relative to each other.

Abstract: Realized is a technology which allows more various operations with respect to an operation target. An operation device includes: at least one six-axis force-moment sensor; and a button. The at least one six-axis force-moment sensor can detect a force in a direction of a first axis which intersects a first main surface of a housing, a moment about the first axis, a force in a direction of a second axis which is along the first main surface, a moment about the second axis, a force in a direction of a third axis which is along the first main surface and which intersects the second axis, and a moment about the third axis. The button can detect at least the force in the direction of the first axis and the moments about the second and third axes, and is provided to the first main surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure sensor, forces after one to three directions, normal to the sensor plane and tangential to the sensor plane, as well as torques, the sensor being based on the variation of reactive or mixed impedances when applying normal forces or pressure and/or tangential forces or torques on the sensor structure. The sensor has a structure that includes a closed and watertight space, so that the behavior of the sensor is little or not affected by varying environmental conditions.

Abstract: A load transducer includes a block body and a strain gauge attached to the block body. The block body includes a plurality of fixing portions fixed to a support member, a plurality of movable portions provided respectively between the plurality of fixing portions and receiving a load from an external member, and a plurality of beam portions extending respectively between the fixing portions and the movable portions, the block body being formed in a tubular shape. The movable portions include a plurality of movable-portion protrusions receiving the load from the external member, and the fixing portions include a plurality of movable-portion regulation protrusions provided between the plurality of movable-portion protrusions to regulate displacement of the movable portions.

Abstract: A chuck grip accuracy checking method includes a gripping in which the measurement target is gripped on the claws, a moving step, and a measuring step. In the moving step, a movable member provided with a measurement instrument capable of measuring a run-out of the measurement target is moved by driving a movable-member driver to a position at which the measurement instrument can measure a run-out of the measurement target. In the measuring step, a run-out of the measurement target is measured by the measurement instrument, while the chuck is being rotated by driving a rotation driver.

Abstract: A strain inducing body includes a strain inducing portion. The strain inducing portion includes a movable portion configured to receive a force in a predetermined axial direction or a moment about the predetermined axial direction and to deform in accordance with the received force or moment. The strain inducing portion includes a non-movable portion configured to receive the force or moment and to not deform in accordance with the received force or moment. The strain inducing body includes an input transmitter coupled to the non-movable portion and including an accommodating portion for accommodating a sensor chip detects the force or moment. The input transmitter receives the force or moment and to not deform in accordance with the received force or moment. The input transmitter transmits deformation of the strain inducing portion to the sensor chip.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a flexible pressure sensor array and method for fabricating the same. The pressure sensor array comprises a pressure-sensing substrate, top electrodes and bottom electrodes. The pressure-sensing substrate comprises a piezoresistive material, a fabric and pressure-sensing columns. The top electrodes and the bottom electrodes are attached to the pressure-sensing columns. The pressure sensor array is ultra-flexible and conforms to 3-dimensional surface for pressure monitoring.

Abstract: A MEMS vibration sensor includes a piezoelectric membrane including a segmented electrode affixed to a holder; and an inertial mass affixed to the piezoelectric membrane, wherein the segmented electrode includes four segmentation zones, wherein, in an X-direction, a signal from a first segmentation zone is equal to a signal from a third segmentation zone, a signal from a second segmentation zone is equal to a signal from a fourth segmentation zone, and the signal from the first segmentation zone and the signal from the second segmentation zone have opposite signs, and wherein, in a Y-direction, a signal from the first segmentation zone is equal to the signal from the second segmentation zone, the signal from the third segmentation zone is equal to the signal from the fourth segmentation zone, and the signal from first segmentation zone and the signal from the third segmentation zone have opposite signs.

Abstract: A MicroElectroMechanical Structure (MEMS) accelerometer includes a piezoelectric membrane including at least one electrode and an inertial mass, the piezoelectric membrane being affixed to a holder; and a circuit for evaluating sums and differences of signals associated with the at least one electrode to determine a three-dimensional acceleration direction, wherein the at least one electrode includes a segmented electrode, and wherein the segmented electrode includes four segmentation zones.

Abstract: Articles of footwear can include an adaptive-height sole structure that includes a variable height bladder system. The sole structure can include one or more bladder systems positioned between a midsole and a banking plate. The banking plate can change its relative orientation to the midsole based on an inflation level of the bladder systems.

Abstract: A deformable body for a force/torque sensor which may be attached to robots formed with multiple axes and multiple joints includes a substrate in which a hole is formed, a disc disposed above the hole, and a plurality of hinges protruding from a side surface of the disc and connecting the disc and the substrate.

Abstract: A sensor unit includes at least three kinesthetic-sense sensors arranged along a plane, each including a first force-receiving part configured to receive an external force. The sensor unit includes a connecting member including a second force-receiving part configured to receive an external force, configured to transfer the external force received by the second force-receiving part to each first force-receiving part and connecting the first force-receiving parts with each other. The sensor unit includes an output unit configured to output signals corresponding to a pressing force in an orthogonal-axis direction orthogonal to the plane and pressing forces in two axial directions parallel to the plane, respectively, the pressing forces being components of divided forces of the external force received by the second force-receiving part, received by the respective first force-receiving parts through the connecting member.

Abstract: A sliding bearing element with a first layer having a radially inner surface includes a measuring device arranged on the radially inner surface of the first layer. The measuring device includes, in the order indicated, a first electrical insulating layer, a sensor layer and a second electrical insulating layer. A sliding layer is arranged on the second electrical insulating layer.

Abstract: A printed circuit board including electronic components, a carrier equipped with a network of conductor tracks electrically connecting the electronic components, and a plurality of strain gauges positioned on the carrier such that each one of the plurality of corners has a respective one of the plurality of strain gauges positioned closer to the one of the plurality of corners than to any other of the plurality of corners.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a pressure sensing device, including a sensor. The sensor includes a sheet-like piezoresistive material layer, and a first electrode structure and the second electrode structure arranged at opposite sides of the piezoresistive material layer respectively. At least one of the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure is provided with one or more protrusions at a surface facing the piezoresistive material layer, and the surface facing the piezoresistive material layer with the one or more protrusions forms an uneven surface.

Abstract: A smart footwear system including a wireless charging system directed to measuring and capturing pressure data exerted on a shoe footwear item. The smart footwear system is operable to be used with virtual reality systems and provide controlled movements for an avatar in a virtual environment based on a user's movements.

Abstract: A clamp and a shear test device are provided, and relate to the technical field of rock mass mechanics tests. The clamp comprises a box body, wherein an opening is formed in one side of the box body, two clamping structures are oppositely arranged in the box body, a sample is arranged between the two clamping structures, each clamping structure comprises an adjusting mechanism, and a distance between the two clamping structures is adjusted through adjusting mechanisms of the two clamping structures. According to the clamp, real-time dynamic adjustment is conveniently and rapidly achieved, the stability of sample clamping is ensured, and therefore the requirement that the shear load can be truly and effectively transmitted to the sample through the box body is met.

Abstract: In a force sensor according to one embodiment, a main body is cylindrical. A cylindrical movable body is movable with respect to the main body and includes at least three circular openings in the outer circumference thereof. A strain body is fixed to the main body and the movable body and is deformable according to the movement of the movable body. Strain sensors are provided on the strain body. A first stopper is arranged inside each of the openings and includes a first outer circumferential surface including a first outer diameter less than a diameter of the opening. Sealing members are configured to cover at least the openings and a movable part between the main body and the movable body.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a stylus pen including: a body; a conductive tip configured to be exposed from an inside of the body to an outside thereof; and a resonance circuit connected to the conductive tip to resonate an electrical signal transferred from the conductive tip. An inductor unit of the resonance circuit includes a ferrite core and a coil wound in multiple layers over at least a portion of the ferrite core. The ferrite core includes nickel, and the coil can be formed by a litz wire with adjacent winding layers that are wound to be inclined in a zigzag form.

Abstract: A sensor-based quantification and analysis system includes an input device including a plurality of sensors that generate an input based on a force. The input device also includes a transmission device that transmits force information based on the input. The system also includes an output device that receives the force information. A processing unit selects, for each of the plurality of sensors, one of a plurality of levels of a likelihood of tissue damage based on the force and a predetermined time period. Further, the output device includes a display that presents or logs the one of the plurality of levels of the likelihood of tissue damage for each of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A force measurement system is disclosed herein. The force measurement system includes a force measurement assembly with at least one load transducer beam having a load transducer frame portion, and a plurality of deformation sensing elements disposed on the load transducer frame portion, a first one of the plurality of deformation sensing elements being sensitive to a first force component of the load and outputting a first output signal representative of the first force component of the load, and a second one of the plurality of deformation sensing elements being sensitive to a second force component of the load and outputting a second output signal representative of the second force component of the load, the first force component of the load being different from the second force component of the load; and a data processing device operatively coupled to the plurality of deformation sensing elements of the load transducer beam.

Abstract: A pin field, comprising a plurality of pins mounted parallel with each other in a frame. The plurality of pins are extendable and retractable from the frame for sensing an object or for manipulation of the object in a working environment wherein a distal end of each pin in the plurality of pins comprises a combination pressure and temperature sensor.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a stylus pen including: a body; a conductive tip configured to be exposed from an inside of the body to an outside thereof; and a resonance circuit connected to the conductive tip to resonate an electrical signal transferred from the conductive tip. An inductor unit of the resonance circuit includes a ferrite core and a coil wound in multiple layers over at least a portion of the ferrite core. The ferrite core includes nickel, and the coil can be formed by a litz wire with adjacent winding layers that are wound to be inclined in a zigzag form.

Abstract: A capacitive MEMS force sensor for touch recognition and force measurement in touch screens is provided. The sensor includes two planar conductive electrodes separated by a predetermined distance using an elastic spacer to define an initial capacitance value of the sensor. An applied external force deforms the elastic spacer and minimizes the gap between sensor electrodes to alter the nominal capacitance value. This change in capacitance is monitored to measure the magnitude of the touch force. The sensor includes two types of the elastic spacers with different values of stiffness to overcome the trade-off between sensitivity and dynamic range of force measurement. These elastic spacers are interposed between sensor electrodes and are offset with a height difference to provide two ranges of force measurement.

Abstract: A bearing diagnosing method for diagnosing degradation of a bearing rotatably supporting a spindle includes: the steps of obtaining the rotation speed of the spindle; obtaining the temperature of the bearing; recording the rotation time for which the spindle has rotated, at each of multiple classes that are defined in advance by combination of rotation speed range and temperature range, into the storage unit, based on the rotation speed and the temperature; and calculating bearing degradation information representing the degree of degradation of the bearing, based on the rotation time at each of the classes, stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the formation of a simplified model. A computer system comprises a simplification system. The simplification system receives a plurality of components from a complex model, determines a number of moments of inertia for each component of the plurality of components, and creates a simplified model using the number of moments of inertia for the each component of the plurality of components, wherein the complex model is a three-dimensional computer model.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic pen and a control method therefor. The electronic pen is configured to: receive an infrared signal from a transmitting module located at a predetermined distance or more from the electronic pen; measure the time when the infrared signal is received; calculate a distance between the transmitting module and the electronic pen on the basis of the measured time; calculate two-dimensional (2D) coordinates of the electronic pen on the basis of the calculation result; output ink to a writing target object on the basis of the calculated 2D coordinates; when the distance between a sensor module and a first end of the pen point is within the predetermined distance, adjust the magnetic pole of a first magnetic body and the magnetic pole of a second magnetic body so that the magnetic pole of the first magnetic body and the magnetic pole of the second magnetic body become identical.

Abstract: An assist device includes a body wearing unit and an actuator unit. The actuator unit includes an output link configured to pivot about a joint of an assist target body part and to be attached to the assist target body part; an actuator including an output shaft configured to generate an assist torque via the output link; a torque determination unit configured to determine a combined torque obtained by combining a user torque and the assist torque from the output shaft, the user torque being input from the output link when the user causes the assist target body part to pivot; a correction unit configured to calculate a correction amount for the determined combined torque; and a pivot angle control unit configured to control a pivot angle of the output shaft based on the determined combined torque and the calculated correction amount.

Abstract: A pointer includes a casing, a first electromagnetic unit, a second electromagnetic unit, a first elastic member, and a pen point. The casing has an accommodation space and a port in communication with the accommodation space. The first electromagnetic unit includes a first magnet and a coil winding around the first magnet. The first magnet is fixedly disposed in the accommodation space. The second electromagnetic unit is movably disposed in the accommodation space along an axial direction, where the second electromagnetic unit includes a second magnet and a protection member wrapping the second magnet, and the second magnet is relatively away from or close to the first magnet. The elastic member is disposed in the casing and can provide an elastic force to the second electromagnetic unit along the axial direction. The pen point is movably disposed at the port and connected to the protection member.

Abstract: A device for avoiding excessive loads on the human foot when walking comprises a shoe insole having at least one force sensor for generating a measurement signal indicating loads and/or partial loads on the foot; an analyzing unit electrically connected to the at least one force sensor for analyzing the measurement signal of the at least one force sensor; an electric power source to provide electric power to the analyzing unit; and a feedback control signal generator which generates a feedback control signal on the basis of the analysis of the analyzing unit for monitoring loads and/or partial loads on the foot, e.g., by means of an actuator, wherein the sensitive components are disposed in a housing to protect them, in particular from water and/or pressure loads. Furthermore, a method for operating the device is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a component transducer (20) for sensing a torque component (Mx, My, Mz); wherein an element (21) made of piezoelectric crystal material comprises element surfaces; wherein a force component (Fx, Fy, Fz) produces electric polarization charges on the element surfaces; and wherein the torque component (Mx, My, Mz) to be sensed consists of at least one pair having force components (+Fx, ?Fx; +Fy, ?Fy; +Fz, ?Fz) wherein said force components (+Fx, ?Fx; +Fy, ?Fy; +Fz, ?Fz) of a pair have the same axis of action and opposite directions of action. The component transducer (20) receives the force components (+Fx, ?Fx; +Fy, ?Fy; +Fz, ?Fz) of a pair separately.

Abstract: A force sensor includes a sensor chip that detects displacements in multiple axial directions, and a strain body that transfers force applied thereto to the sensor chip. The strain body includes a sensor chip mount on which the sensor chip is mounted, multiple columns disposed around and apart from the sensor chip mount, and connecting beams via which the sensor chip mount is fixed to the columns.

Abstract: A pressure sensing pointer includes a housing, an electromagnetic unit, a cartridge, a pressing member, a first elastic member, a second elastic member, and a pressure sensing element. The housing has an accommodating space and a port in communication with the accommodating space. The electromagnetic unit is located inside the accommodating space. The cartridge is movably disposed at the port along an axial direction. The pressing member is movably disposed in the accommodating space, and is in linkage connection to the cartridge. One end of the first elastic member is fixed on the pressing member. One end of the second elastic member abuts against the pressing member An amount of compression deformation of the second elastic member in the axial direction is greater than an amount of compression deformation of the first elastic member in the axial direction. The pressure sensing element faces toward the first elastic member.

Abstract: A force detecting device attachable to a robot including an arm includes a first base including a projection having an attachment surface to which an end effector is attachable, a second base attached to the arm, and at least one piezoelectric element supported between the first base and the second base and configured to detect external forces applied to the first base and the second base.

Abstract: A force detection apparatus includes a plurality of piezoelectric sensor parts placed around a first axis, and two fastening portions provided in correspondence with the piezoelectric sensor parts and applying precompression to the corresponding piezoelectric sensor part, wherein the two fastening portions are placed so that the piezoelectric sensor part may be located between the portions along a direction of the first axis. Further, four of the piezoelectric sensor parts are provided around the first axis. Furthermore, the plurality of piezoelectric sensor parts has a plurality of piezoelectric substrates.

Abstract: Provided herein is a capacitive torque sensor, which can completely offset forces/torques in all axial directions, except for force/torque in a direction of a central axis, by measuring variations in capacitances of four sensing cells arrayed at angular intervals of 90 degrees on the basis of a center of the sensor and can offer a sensing value for the torque in a central axis direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents a visuo-haptic sensor, which is based on a passive, deformable element whose deformation is observed by a camera. In particular, the improved simplified sensor may determine the force and/or torque applied to a point of the sensor in multiple spatial dimensions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to arrays of piezoelectric strands. Some implementations are directed to using an array of piezoelectric strands, along with associated driving and sensing components, to enable determination of one or more properties of external force(s) applied to the array, such as what areas of the array have external force being applied, a measure of the applied external force(s), material properties of object(s) applying the external force(s), etc. Each of the piezoelectric strands of an array may include at least a longitudinally extending piezoelectric material and a longitudinally extending conductive electrode.

Abstract: An inner support member, a detection deformable body, and a ring-shaped outer support member are disposed sequentially from the inside to the outside around a Z axis as a central axis. Inner surfaces in the vicinity of inner support points of the detection deformable body connect to outer surfaces of the inner support member via inner connecting members, and outer surfaces in the vicinity of outer support points of the detection deformable body connect to inner surfaces of the outer support member via outer connecting members. When a torque acts in the clockwise direction on the outer support member (130) while the inner support member is fixed, detection parts are displaced outwardly, and detection parts are displaced inwardly. These displacements are detected electrically as changes in capacitance values of four capacitor elements including opposing electrodes.

Abstract: A position pointing device includes a pressure detecting part which detects a pressure applied in an axial direction of a core body. The core body includes: a leading end part formed from an elastic material; a pedestal part which is formed from a material harder than the material of the leading end part and is joined to the leading end part; and a core body main body part which is joined to the pedestal part, is smaller than the pedestal part in thickness in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, and is formed from a hard material. The core body is housed in a casing and is movable in the axial direction, such that the leading end part is exposed via an opening of the casing, and a pressure exerted on the leading end part in the axial direction is transmitted to the pressure detecting part.