SBIR Phase I: Force Sensitive Finger Sensor for Computer Interface

这个SBIR第一阶段的研究项目开发了一种新的人机输入方法——一种基于传感器的手指手套，它将检测手指施加的作用力的大小和方向。这种检测施加力方向的能力比现有的手-机接口系统有了显著的进步。这个研究项目将把一个先进的传感器集成到一个附着在手套上的小垫传感器中，它将允许操作员通过将手指按压在任何表面上来施加侧向和正向力。这将允许一只手模仿鼠标，而触摸敏感板（例如，典型的笔记本电脑上的触摸板）则监控位置和压力。第一阶段的研究将使用适合嵌入聚合物的基于磁性的导线传感器，该聚合物将被设计为在导线上产生所需的内部应变。第一阶段项目的结果将展示一个工作系统，使用硬连线到计算机。在第一阶段之后，第二阶段将安装一个完整的系统，该系统将包括监测手指和手的位置，以获得额外的输入能力和与计算机的无线连接。该设备有许多应用，例如：1)计算机输入-作为可穿戴的触摸敏感手指垫，取代工业或军事应用中的计算机输入鼠标；2)作为电子手套/手部运动，该设备包含大量传感器，可以检测更复杂的运动。应用程序类似于指垫，但包括虚拟现实模拟和游戏；3)在机器人应用中，传感器将测量手指上的力，因此可以用作机器人手的触觉传感器；4)该设备也可以是假肢设备，这与机器人输入类似，但要求更严格，因为必须考虑模式和故障概率。

This SBIR Phase I research project develops a new method of human computer input -- a sensor-based finger-glove, which will detect magnitude and direction of an applied force as applied by the finger. This ability to detect direction of applied force represents a significant advancement over existing hand-computer interface systems. This research project will integrate an advanced sensor into a small pad sensor which is attached to the glove and which will allow the operator to exert lateral and normal forces by pressing the finger against any surface. This will allow one hand mimicking of a mouse, compared to touch sensitive pads (e.g. the touch pad on a typical laptop) which monitors position and pressure.The Phase I research will use magnetic-based wire sensors which are suitable for embedding in a polymer and this polymer will be designed to produce the desired internal strain on the wire. The outcome of the Phase I project will demonstrate a working system, using hard wiring to the computer. The Phase I will be followed in the Phase II by a full system which will include monitoring finger and hand positions for additional input capability and wireless connection to the computer.The device has a number of applications such as: 1) computer input- as a wearable touch-sensitive finger pad that replaces a mouse in computer input in industrial or military applications; 2) as an electronic glove/hand motion, the device incorporates a large number of sensors which detects motions that are more complex. Applications are similar to the finger pad but include virtual reality simulation along with gaming; and 3) in the robotics application, the sensor would measures forces on the finger, and thus can be used to operate as a tactile sensor for a robotic hand, and 4) the device could also be a prosthetic device, which is similar to robotic inputs, but with more stringent requirements because modes and probability of failure must be considered.