Abstract: An image recognition system includes a processing module, a sensor module, and a database. The sensor module is electrically connected to the processing module. The database is electrically connected to the processing module. The sensor module configured for capturing at least one image. The at least one image is stored in the database. The processing captures a contour of an object from the at least one image and separates the contour of the object into a plurality of portions. A plurality of arrangements is defined between the portions of the contour of the object. The processing module determines a state of the contour of the object based on the arrangements.

Abstract: A sensor array system includes a skin. The sensor array system includes a lattice network coupled to a portion of the skin. The lattice network includes a plurality of interconnects and a plurality of nodes. The plurality of nodes are respectively defined by an intersection of two or more interconnects of the plurality of interconnects. The sensor array system includes a first sensor electrically connected to the lattice network at a first node of the plurality of nodes.

Abstract: A rim for wheel is described including a measuring system for detecting the vertical load applied to the wheel. The measuring system includes a sensor adapted to detect a deformation of the rim and to transmit a deformation signal to a processing unit. The processing unit receives an output signal of the sensor related to the deformation of the rim detected, and determines the vertical load applied to the wheel.

Abstract: A pressure sensing unit, a capacitive hybrid sensor device, and an input apparatus using the same are provided. The pressure sensing unit for detecting pressing events includes a pressure sensing pad group and a floating conductive element. The pressure sensing pad group includes a first pressure sensing pad, a second pressure sensing pad, and a ground pad that are spaced apart from one another. The first and second pressure sensing pads are electrically shielded from each other by the ground pad. One among the floating conductive element and the pressure sensing pad group is configured to be movable in a movement direction relative to another one among the floating conductive element and the pressure sensing pad group. The floating conductive element overlaps with the pressure sensing pad group in the movement direction. Therefore, a signal-to-noise ratio can be increased and an erroneous detection can be prevented.

Abstract: A wearable sensing device includes a connector socket provided with contact pads connectable to sensing electrodes for sensing biological electrical signals. A supply module is provided with a battery, which is housed in a first casing configured for reversible coupling with the connector socket. A control module is housed in a second casing distinct from the first casing and configured for coupling with the supply module and with the connector socket. The control module is equipped with a processing unit configured to process biological electrical signals detectable through the contact pads. Mechanical-connection members couple the supply module to the connector socket. Electrical-connection members distinct from the mechanical-connection members are configured to connect the battery and the contact pads to the control module.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a non-apparent attribute of an object having a sensor portion with which the object makes contact and to which the object applies pressure. The apparatus has a computer in communication with the sensor portion that receives signals from the sensor portion corresponding to the contact and pressure applied to the sensor portion, and determines from the signals the non-apparent attribute. The apparatus has an output in communication with the computer that identifies the non-apparent attribute determined by the computer. A method for determining a non-apparent attribute of an object.

Abstract: A robotic force/torque (FT) sensor restricts the conduction of heat, generated by an attached tool, through the FT sensor body to a radial direction. Heat from the tool is channeled to the center of the FT sensor body by a thermally conductive member. Additionally, heat from the tool is insulated from portions of the FT sensor body other than its center by a thermally insulating member. Transducers, such as strain gages attached to the surfaces of deformable beams, are disposed at a substantially equal distance from the center of the FT sensor body. Accordingly, as heat conducts through the FT sensor body from the center radially outwardly, all transducers experience substantially equal thermal load at any given time.

Abstract: An image recognition system includes a processing module, a sensor module, and a database. The sensor module is electrically connected to the processing module. The database is electrically connected to the processing module. The sensor module configured for capturing at least one image. The at least one image is stored in the database. The processing captures a contour of an object from the at least one image and separates the contour of the object into a plurality of portions. A plurality of arrangements is defined between the portions of the contour of the object. The processing module determines a state of the contour of the object based on the arrangements.

Abstract: An actuator according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a driving body including a plurality of conductive grains, a chamber configured to confine the plurality of conductive grains, and two or more electrodes disposed on a surface of the chamber; and a controller configured to obtain, through the two or more electrodes, a change in an electric signal, in response to a load applied to the chamber, and to adjust the load applied to the chamber based on the change in the electric signal.

Abstract: Provided is a sensor that includes a sensing layer including a pressure detection unit, a dielectric layer provided on the sensing layer, the dielectric layer being deformable, and a conductive layer including a protrusion protruding toward the dielectric layer. The conductive layer is movable in an in-plane direction of the sensing layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a detection apparatus. The detection apparatus may include a gate insulating layer. The gate insulating layer may include at least a first layer and a second layer opposite the first layer. A plurality of protruding structures may be provided on a surface of the first layer facing the second layer and/or a surface of the second layer facing the first layer. The first layer and the second layer of the gate insulating layer may be connected through the protruding structures.

Abstract: A grasping system includes a robotic arm having a gripper. A fixed sensor monitors a grasp area and an onboard sensor moves with the gripper also monitors the area. A controller receives information indicative of a position of an object to be grasped and operates the robotic arm to bring the gripper into a grasp position adjacent the object based on information provided by the fixed sensor. The controller is also programmed to operate the gripper to grasp the object in response to information provided by the first onboard sensor.

Abstract: A sensor element includes: a supporting body; and a sensor body, the sensor body being planar and being formed of an elastic material, a first surface and a second surface of the sensor body each having an electrically conductive coating. The supporting body and the sensor body are integrally formed.

Abstract: An insole may include an insole body in a shape receivable in a shoe; an electronic element provided in the insole body; a connection line configured to electrically connect to the electronic element and including a contact terminal exposed to the outside of the insole body; and a connector including a detachable member configured to at least partially protrude outward from the insole body and configured to support the contact terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode device for measuring an electric biosignal. The electrode device includes a flexible PCB (printed circuit board) having a flexible support layer and a trace layer on a first side. The trace layer includes at least two electrode pads for skin contacts and, for each electrode pad, a solder pad and a conducting trace forming a galvanic connection between the electrode and the solder pad. The flexible PCB further includes an opening defining a flexible, elongated cantilever in a central portion of the flexible PCB, having a base end connected to the central portion and a free end separated from the central portion. The solder pads are located at the free end. The electrode device further includes a connector component on the second side, soldered to the solder pads on the free end of the cantilever.

Abstract: An electronic device for detecting pressure is provided. The electronic device includes a printed circuit board (PCB) including at least one element or circuit pattern for driving the electronic device, at least one electrode pattern formed to detect a pressure in the wiring layer included in the PCB, an elastic member arranged to be at least partially overlapped with the electrode pattern, and a pressure sensor circuit electrically connected to the electrode pattern included in the PCB. The pressure sensor circuit is configured to apply a voltage to the electrode pattern and measure intensity of the pressure based on a change in the voltage applied to the electrode pattern.

Abstract: An alert system to prevent abandonment of a living being in a vehicle, the alert system including a pad removably disposed on at least a portion of an interior of the vehicle to monitor and store data related to the living being in response to the living being being disposed on the pad, and at least one master fob to receive the data related to the living being from the pad and to generate an alert in response to the master fob being moved a predetermined distance away from the pad and based on at least a portion of the received data indicating that that the living being is disposed on the pad.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of providing a number of force consolidators between an object and a surface, providing a number of force sensors, each in a different one of the force consolidators, measuring an output of the force sensors, and processing the output of the force sensors to determine a total force exerted between the object and the surface. The force consolidators are each configured to reduce a portion of a surface area of the object into a consolidated surface area such that forces exerted on the portion of the surface area are concentrated in the consolidated surface area. By using the force consolidators along with the force sensors, the total force exerted by the object on the surface may be easily measured using off-the-shelf force sensor technologies.

Abstract: A sensor for use with vehicular components. The sensors may comprise transmitting and receiving antennas that can be interleaved or placed within the various materials throughout the vehicle so that interaction with the materials will provide information related to the use. Sensors may also infuse signal into an occupant within the vehicle via the material which can provide enhanced interactions with various vehicle features and components.

Abstract: A strain sensor includes a viscous piezoresistive element embedded or encapsulated within a solid, flexible, resilient packaging element, and a contact contactable from the exterior of the strain sensor and defining an electrical path through or along at least a portion of the viscous piezoresistive element, the resistance of the electrical path varying with deformation of the strain sensor. The invention allows the high gauge factor of a viscous piezoresistive material to be taken advantage of in a practical device by containing the material within a packaging element. The packaging element ensures a consistent output response as a function of deformation of the strain sensor and enables the strain sensor to detect time-varying forces due to the resilient nature of the packaging element.

Abstract: An insole for insertion into an article of footwear, comprising flexible upper sheet, lower sheet, insulating dielectric sheet, capacitive force sensors with upper electrodes and lower electrodes and networks of upper conductive leads and lower conductive leads. The insole comprises a chip support member and control and transmit electronics comprising a control electronic and a wireless transceiver. An upper contacting tab of the upper sheet is in surface contact with the chip support member and comprises conductive leads connected to the upper electrodes. A lower contacting tab of the lower sheet is in surface contact with the chip support member and comprises conductive leads connected to the lower electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a minimally invasive instrument with instant force feedback function, including a minimally invasive device, a sensing device, a computing device, and a warning device. The minimally invasive device may have an invasive portion, which may enter the human body to perform surgical operations. The sensing device is provided on the invasive portion of the minimally invasive device and may include a flexible conductive film, a plurality of bionic films and a plurality of liquid beads. The plurality of bionic films may be provided on a flexible conductive film. Each of the plurality of liquid beads may be covered by each of the plurality of bionic films. The computing device may be electrically connected to the flexible conductive film. The warning device may receive a warning signal and generate a warning message.

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter (100) includes a catheter distal portion (110) on which a force sensor (200) is arranged. The force sensor (200) includes an elastic tube (210) and strain gauges (220). The elastic tube (210) has a hollow portion in its wall, and the strain gauges (220) are disposed external to the hollow portion. Compared to the design with the strain gauges (220) overlapping the hollow portion, arranging them over solid portions of the elastic tube (210) allows the strain gauges (220) to collect more accurate electrical signals while suffering from less interference. This can result in a significant improvement in contact force measurement accuracy of the catheter distal portion (110).

Abstract: A system for transitioning from a first footwear type to a second footwear type is usable with an article of footwear including a sensor system with a plurality of force sensors engaged with an article of footwear and configured to sense force exerted by a foot of a user and an electronic module configured to collect data based on force input from the sensors and to wirelessly transmit data generated by the sensor system. An electronic device includes a processor that receives the data from the electronic module, compares the data to a footstrike template corresponding to a desired footstrike pattern of a footwear transitional program, determines whether a deviation from the footstrike template exists, and generates an indication to the user when the deviation from the desired footstrike pattern is determined to exist. The desired footstrike pattern corresponds to a preferred footstrike of the second type of footwear.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting damage to a vehicle includes: a damage detecting film attached to a surface of the vehicle to represent a different electrical characteristic according to a type of damage to the surface of the vehicle; and a detector configured to detect a change of the electrical characteristic represented by the damage detecting film.

Abstract: The present application discloses a photosensitive component, a display device and a fingerprint identification method. The photosensitive component comprises a first electrode layer, a first photosensitive material layer arranged on the first electrode layer, a second electrode layer arranged on the first photosensitive material layer, a second photosensitive material layer arranged on the second electrode layer, and a third electrode layer arranged on the second photosensitive material layer. The first electrode layer is made of an opaque material, and the third electrode layer is made of a transparent material.

Abstract: An engagement guarantee system uses a gamification method and includes a sensor configured to sense vehicle data from a vehicle tag attached to a vehicle, to sense tool data from a tool tag attached to a tool, and to transmit the sensed data to a server A controller is configured to receive the vehicle data and the tool data from the server, to transmit an engagement torque corresponding to the vehicle to the tool, and to receive an engagement result from the tool An analyzer is configured to receive the engagement result from the controller, to analyze the engagement result, and to transmit an analyzed result to a display unit. The display unit is configured to display the analyzed result transmitted from the analyzer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a pressure determination method and device. The pressure determination method includes: fingerprint information from a preset region of a terminal is acquired, and the fingerprint information includes multiple first signals corresponding to ridges of a fingerprint and multiple second signals corresponding to valleys of the fingerprint; and a pressure on the preset region is determined according to a relationship between the first signals and the second signals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display panel, a method of manufacturing the display panel, a fingerprint identification device, and a method of identifying a fingerprint. The display panel includes first and second substrates. The first substrate is formed with switch transistors arranged in an array, and photosensitive elements arranged in an array and connected with the switch transistors. The second substrate is formed with conductive contact members, the contact members each have an end adjacent to the first substrate, and the end of each of the contact members is spaced from the first substrate so that when the second substrate is deformed by a force, the end of at least one of the contact members electrically contacts the first substrate so that at least one of the switch transistors in a position corresponding to the at least one of the contact members is turned on.

Abstract: A structure abnormality detection system that detects an abnormality of at least one of structures classified into a plurality of groups in which a plurality of factors that may affect behavior of structures are substantially the same includes: means for storing a model that predicts, from a first inspection value acquired at a first inspection position, a second inspection value acquired at a second inspection position that is a position where a vibration intensity in vibration of a predetermined vibration mode at a natural frequency of the structure is substantially the same as at the first inspection position; and means for detecting an abnormality of the structure by evaluating fidelity of the first inspection value and the second inspection value acquired at a particular time to the model.

Abstract: A pressure sensor formed in a sheet type is provided, including conductive fibers, nonconductive fibers, and piezoresistive fibers, which are woven together, wherein the pressure sensor includes a first electrode layer including the conductive fibers and the nonconductive fibers, a second electrode layer including the conductive fibers and the nonconductive fibers, and a piezoresistive layer including the piezoresistive fibers and disposed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.

Abstract: A method (500) for characterizing a personal care device (10). The method includes the steps of: (i) providing (510) a personal care device comprising a plurality of tufts (18), where a first one (18a) of the plurality of tufts includes a first tactile sensor (38a) and comprises a first angle relative to a device head, and further where a second one (18b) of the plurality of tufts includes a second tactile sensor (38b) and comprises a second angle relative to the device head; (ii) generating (520), in response to interaction of the plurality of tufts with a use surface (40), first sensor data by the first tactile sensor and second sensor data by the second tactile sensor; and (iii) characterizing (530), by the controller using the first sensor data and the second sensor data, a position of the personal care device within the use area.

Abstract: A pair of electronic shoe insoles aids an individual with peripheral neuropathy in walking without falling, despite the user having little or no sensation in her feet. Each insole uses a number of pressure sensors and provides various forms of biofeedback to the user such as auditory, haptic, and vibratory feedback which corresponds to the position of the user's foot on the ground. Vibration feedback is provided through vibration motors disposed against the soles of the user's feet at selected locations which correspond to locations of pressure sensors. This allows for direct neural stimulation of the sole of the foot at three biomechanically appropriate locations. Auditory and haptic feedback are provided through auxiliary devices that the user wears on appropriate parts of the body. Biofeedback transmitted through these mechanisms would correspond to change in foot position as detected by the pressure sensors.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a cover structure of a tactile sensor and a tactile sensor that can secure sufficient adhesion between a sensor body and a covering layer without providing an adhesive layer and have no possibility of causing a sensor to make detection error due to the covering layer formed thereon. A cover structure of a tactile sensor according to the present invention includes a sensor body 2 and a covering layer 3 made of elastic body molded on the sensor body 2. The covering layer 3 includes at least two layers of an outer layer 32 disposed as the outermost layer and an inner layer 31 disposed to come in contact with the sensor body 2 and having a higher adhesiveness and a lower hardness than those of the outer layer 32, and is integrally molded with the sensor body 2 by the cast molding.

Abstract: A force touch sensing structure which is immune to changes in sensitivity caused by external factors defines a force touch sensing area. The force touch sensing structure includes protrusions in the force touch sensing area, at least one image recognition camera, and a processor. A height of at least one protrusion varies when the force touch sensing area is force touched. The image recognition camera detects positions of the height-varied protrusions and the extent of the variations. The processor receives and processes signals from the at least one image recognition camera to obtain force touch position and touch force.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a surface such as a cover glass, a first group of electrodes coupled to the surface and arranged in a first direction with respect to the surface, a second group of electrodes coupled to the surface and arranged in a second direction with respect to the surface, a dielectric separating the first and second groups of electrodes, and a controller electrically connected to the first and second groups of electrodes. The controller is operable to detect a touch of an object to the surface using a mutual capacitance between the first and second groups of electrodes and determine a non-binary amount of force exerted based on resistances of the first and second groups of electrodes.

Abstract: A method for sensing. The method includes the steps of transmitting mechanical forces to one or more printed mechanical sensing elements. There is the step of sending prompting signals associated with the mechanical forces to a computer in communication with one or more printed diodes and the one or more printed mechanical sensing elements. There is the step of reconstructing with the computer the mechanical forces that were applied to the one or more printed mechanical sensing elements. An apparatus for sensing. The apparatus includes a computer. The apparatus includes one or more printed electronic diodes and printed mechanical sensing elements connected to the computer, the one or more printed electronic diodes detect mechanical signals applied to the one or more mechanical-sensing elements and that provide corresponding values to the computer.

Abstract: This relates to a monitoring system capable of measuring a plurality of vital signs. The monitoring system can include a plurality of sensors including, but not limited to, electrodes, piezoelectric sensors, temperature sensors, and accelerometers. The monitoring system can be capable of operating in one or more operation modes such as, for example: capacitance measurement mode, electrical measurement mode, piezoelectric measurement mode, temperature measurement mode, acceleration measurement mode, impedance measurement mode, and standby mode. Based on the measured values, the monitoring system can analyze the user's sleep, provide feedback and suggestions to the user, and/or can adjust or control the environmental conditions to improve the user's sleep. The monitoring system can further be capable of analyzing the sleep of the user(s) without directly contacting or attaching uncomfortable probes to the user(s) and without having to analyze the sleep in an unknown environment (e.g., a medical facility).

Abstract: A component has a first structural configuration and a second structural configuration. The component includes a sensor assembly including a plurality of interconnected structural members defining a plurality of load paths. A first structural member and a second structural member define a first load path when the component is in the first structural configuration. The first structural member and a third structural member define a second load path when the component is in the second structural configuration. The second load path is configured to bypass the second structural member. The sensor assembly is configured to detect a characteristic of the component that changes when the component switches between the first structural configuration and the second structural configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first signal generator of a force sensing circuit to output a first excitation (TX) signal on a first terminal and a second TX signal on a second terminal. The first terminal and the second terminal are configured to couple to a first force sensor and a reference sensor. The apparatus includes a first receiver channel coupled to a third terminal and a fourth terminal. The third terminal is configured to couple to the first force sensor and the fourth terminal is configured to couple to the reference sensor. The force sensing circuit is configured to measure a first receive (RX) signal from the first force sensor via the third terminal and a second RX signal from the reference sensor via the fourth terminal. The force sensing circuit is configured to measure a force value indicative of a force applied to the first force sensor.

Abstract: Sensors and sensor systems incorporating piezoresistive materials for integration with footwear are described.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a non-apparent attribute of an object having a sensor portion with which the object makes contact and to which the object applies pressure. The apparatus has a computer in communication with the sensor portion that receives signals from the sensor portion corresponding to the contact and pressure applied to the sensor portion, and determines from the signals the non-apparent attribute. The apparatus has an output in communication with the computer that identifies the non-apparent attribute determined by the computer. A method for determining a non-apparent attribute of an object.

Abstract: A method for joining structural elements to a component made of at least one fiber-reinforced plastics material, includes providing at least two structural elements made of at least one fiber-reinforced plastics material having a particular matrix; providing at least one film element made of a thermoplastic heavy-duty material; arranging the at least one film element on a surface of one of the structural elements or between surfaces to be joined of the at least two structural elements to be joined; and producing the component to be joined in a curing process.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a manufacturing method of an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. The method includes steps of: etching a plurality of through holes arranged in an array on an insulating substrate to form a frame; filling piezoelectric material into the through holes to form a plurality of piezoelectric posts corresponding to the plurality of through holes. The present disclosure also provides an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. In the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and the manufacturing method of the same according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame is formed on the insulating substrate by etching, and the piezoelectric material is filled in the frame to form the piezoelectric posts to form the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. The cost of the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor can be reduced because the etching apparatus is low-cost and the process is simple.

Abstract: A wireless system and methods for non-invasive detection of brain injury that includes a detection device for reliable monitoring and analyzing of sleep movement in comparison with normal sleep movement architecture to identify dampened sleep movement patterns indicative of brain injury.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a method for calibrating capacitive force sensors. The method includes acquiring a plurality of changes of capacitance at a plurality of sensor electrodes in a capacitive sensor, where the plurality of changes of capacitance represents a force. The method also includes identifying a plurality of inflection points in the plurality of changes of capacitance, where each of the plurality of inflection points bounds a region of modeling. The method includes determining a modeling equation for each region of modeling, where the modeling equations are used for calibration of force sensing.

Abstract: A hardware enabled interpolating sensor allows for anti-aliased acquisition of data. Electrodes coupled with resistive material are disposed on either side of a transducer material, such that an impinging signal varies the electrical characteristics of the transducer material. A controller scans the electrodes and analyzes the variation in the electrical characteristics to generate data. Based upon the known characteristics of the resistive material, an interpolated image is generated from the data which is inherently anti-aliased. Additionally, an interpolating display comprising electrodes disposed on either side of an emission material is described, which allows for emission regions of varying intensity, area, and so forth.

Abstract: A system includes a sensor configured to sense an input at a skin surface, a processor configured to receive an output signal from the sensor and generate a haptic control signal based on the output signal, and a haptic output device configured to generate a haptic effect based on the haptic control signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for a structure having a plurality of interconnected panels, wherein each panel has a plurality of detection layers separated from one another by one or more non-detection layers. The plurality of detection layers may form a grid of conductive traces. Additionally, a monitor may be coupled to each grid of conductive traces, wherein the monitor is configured to detect damage to the plurality of interconnected panels in response to an electrical property change with respect to one or more of the conductive traces. In one example, the structure is part of an inflatable space platform such as a spacecraft or habitat.

Abstract: A toothbrush (10) includes a brushhead (18), a first force sensor (30A) for measuring a first force exerted by the brushhead at a first angle relative to a tooth and a second force sensor (30B) for measuring a second force exerted by the brushhead at a second angle relative to the tooth, the second angle being different than the first angle, and a processing unit (26). The processing unit is structured to: (i) receive first information indicative of the first force as measured by the first force sensor, (ii) receive second information indicative of the second force as measured by the second force sensor, and (iii) determine information regarding a current brushing angle of the brushhead based on the first information and the second information.