A TACTILE SENSOR

A tactile sensor (10) comprises a first layer (20) formed of flexible material having an outer contact surface (21) and an opposed inner interface surface (60); a second layer (30) formed of substantially transparent flexible material arranged in substantially continuous contact with the flexible first layer (20) at the interface surface (60); the first and second layers (20), (30) configured so that pressure exerted by an object or objects contacting the outer contact surface (21) causes at least localised distortion of the interface surface (60); a camera (50) arranged to capture an image of the interface surface (60) through the flexible second layer (30); and reflective material (62) configured so that the appearance of at least part of the reflective material (62) changes as the viewing angle changes; the reflective material (62) located between the flexible first layer (20) and the second layer (30) at the interface surface (60).

TACTILE SENSOR

This tactile sensor comprises a sensor substrate, an elastic member, a to-be-supported member, and a light radiation member. The sensor substrate has a first surface which has disposed thereon a plurality of optical sensors that are capable of detecting light of a first wavelength. The elastic member is disposed on the first-surface side of the sensor substrate, and has permeability to the first wavelength. The to-be-supported member is supported by the elastic member, and has optical characteristics different from those of the elastic member. The light radiation member is disposed closer to the sensor substrate side as compared with the elastic member in such a manner as to be covered by the elastic member, and radiates light containing the first wavelength toward the elastic member.

Force sensor and device provided with force sensor

The invention relates to a force sensor 100 that detects a force acting from the outside, and provides the force sensor 100 whose reduction in size and cost can be achieved. The force sensor 100 includes a support member 20, a force receiving member 4 that is displaced with respect to the support member 20 by the action of an external force, an elastic connection member 5 connecting the support member 20 and the force receiving member 4, scales 8a to 8d, which are detection target object bodies, disposed at the elastic connection member 5, displacement detection elements 9a to 9d that are mounted on the sensor substrate 7 composing the support member 20 so as to face the scales 8a to 8d in a one-to-one manner, and that detect movements of the scales 8a to 8d.

Displacement type multi-component micro force sensor

According to the displacement type multi-component micro force sensor, light emitted by a light source is divided into multiple beams of light through an optical fiber coupler, and the lengths of reflection sections of three optical fibers are coupled with deformation of an elastic body, so that a plurality of FP interference sensors with different cavity lengths are formed; the method comprises the following steps of: performing Fourier transform on a superposed interference signal through a plurality of acquired superposed FP cavity spectrum interference signals to obtain the length of an FP cavity, and further resolving to obtain a force multi-component value. And nano-scale high-precision measurement can be realized. The sensor is simple in structure, high in resolution, strong in anti-electromagnetic interference, high in sensitivity, small in lag, creep deformation and advance and return stroke difference, and high in dynamic response speed.

AN OUTSOLE-EMBEDDED OPTOELECTRONIC SENSOR TO MEASURE SHEAR GROUND REACTION FORCES DURING LOCOMOTION

A sensor apparatus for footwear includes at least one pair of light sources and at least one pair of light receivers, each light receiver being positioned and configured to receive light emitted from a respective one of the light sources. A pair of movable curtains functions to adjust the amount of light received by the pair of light receivers. The curtains are movable conjointly such that the amount of light received by one of the light receivers is inversely proportional to the amount of light received by the other light receiver.

Systems and methods for tactile sensing

Achieving high spatial resolution in contact sensing for robotic manipulation often comes at the price of increased complexity in fabrication and integration. One traditional approach is to fabricate a large number of taxels, each delivering an individual, isolated response to a stimulus. The proposed sensors include a continuous volume of soft material, e.g., a transparent polymer, and light emitting diodes configured to emit light into the transparent volume that can be received by photodetectors. The location and depth of indentations can be measured between all pairs of light emitting diodes and photodetectors in the set, and this rich signal set can contain the information needed to pinpoint contact location with high accuracy using regression algorithms.

Water seal tunnel oil gas pipeline deformation monitoring system

Practical sensing system

A sensing system where the position and intensity of a force applied is detected in an easy and practical manner and an image and video of the surrounding environment is taken, and a three-dimensional scanning thereof is performed. The surface texture of the object touched and creep is detected; and a two-dimensional and three-dimensional image (hologram) may be generated and physical and/or chemical features are detected.

FIBRE OPTIC CABLE SENSING APPARATUS

This application describes a fibre optic cable structure which is advantageous for distributed fibre optic sensing, for example distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). The fibre optic cable structure (200, 500, 600) includes an optical fibre (101) for distributed fibre optic sensing and is configured to comprise at least one longitudinal section of a first type (201), which exhibits a change in effective optical path length of the optical fibre of one polarity in response to a given applied force, and which is adjacent to at least one longitudinal section of a second type (202), which exhibits a change in effective optical path length of the optical fibre of the opposite polarity in response to an equivalent applied force. When used for DAS, the response of a sensing portion that includes sections of both the first and second types, will include or exclude certain wavenumber by summation, which provides a directional sensitivity to incident waves.

Optical sensor and apparatus including optical sensor

There is provided an optical sensor that includes a base portion, an action portion, a reflecting member disposed at one of the base portion and the action portion, and a detection unit including a light source and a light receiving element disposed at the other one of the base portion and the action portion. In the optical sensor, a space between the detection unit and the reflecting member is filled with a light transmissive material, and a force and/or acceleration is detected due to the light receiving element detecting light emitted from the light source and reflected by the reflecting member.

CATHETER DISTAL FORCE SENSOR

A force sensor assembly for use in the field of cardiac ablation, for the ablation-based treatment of atrial fibrillation and other cardiac arrhythmias. Various embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a catheter distal force sensor for measuring catheter tip-to-endocardial wall force by measuring displacement of irradiation patterns sensed with a two-dimensional imaging sensor. The disclosed devices sense an array of irradiation pattern characteristics, including changes in size and location of irradiation shapes of the irradiation pattern. In some embodiments, multiple irradiation spots are tracked with the two-dimensional imaging sensor to infer the components of a reaction force vector acting the force sensor assembly. The disclosed force is designed to accommodate typical catheter tip dimensions, the outer diameter of these usually being less than or equal to 9 French (3 mm).

Bauteil mit einer integrierten Sensorvorrichtung für eine optische, mehrachsige Messung einer Krafteinwirkung

Es ist ein Bauteil (100) mit einer integrierten Sensorvorrichtung (200) für eine optische, mehrachsige Messung einer Krafteinwirkung auf das Bauteil (100) offenbart. Das Bauteil (100) umfasst einen Hohlraum (110) sowie ein erstes Tragelement (210) mit einem oder mehreren ersten optischen Elementen (220) sowie ein zweites Tragelement (230) mit einem oder mehreren zweiten optischen Elementen (240), wobei das erste Tragelement (210) und das zweite Tragelement (230) in dem Hohlraum (110) ausgebildet und teilweise in das Bauteil (100) eingefügt sind. Weiter umfasst das Bauteil (100) eine Übertragungseinrichtung (300), die ausgebildet ist, um an eine Energiequelle angeschlossen zu werden, und um bei Anschluss an die Energiequelle mindestens zwei Strahlen (331, 332) in voneinander unabhängigen Richtungen zu erzeugen, wobei die Strahlen (331, 332) jeweils zwischen den ersten optischen Elementen (220) und den zweiten optischen Elementen (240) durch den Hohlraum (110) verlaufen. Dabei sind die ersten ...

INPUT CONTROLS FOR ROBOTIC SURGERY

An input control device is disclosed. The input control device includes a central portion coupled to a multi-axis force and torque sensor, which is configured to receive input control motions from a surgeon. The central portion is flexibly supported on a base. The input control device also includes a rotary joint coupled to a rotary sensor. The input control device is configured to provide control motions to a robotic arm and/or a robotic tool based on input controls detected by the multi-axis force and torque sensor and the rotary sensor.

TACTILE SENSOR

A tactile sensor including a cap having a top surface and an undersurface. The undersurface includes pins, each pin has a mark. A portion of the undersurface is attachable to a device. A camera positioned in view of the marks, captures images of the marks placed in motion by elastic deformation of the top surface of the cap. A processor receives the captured images and determines a set of relative positions of the marks in the captured images, by identifying measured image coordinates of locations in images of the captured images. Determine a net force tensor acting on the top surface using a stored machine vision algorithm, by matching the set of relative positions of the marks to a stored set of previously learned relative positions of the marks placed in motion. Control the device via a controller in response to the net force tensor determined in the processor.

OPTICAL SENSOR AND OPTICAL SENSOR MODULE

An optical sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a light emitting board that has a light emitting element; and a circuit board. The circuit board has: a light transmission part that is provided in a position facing the light emitting element and transmits light from the light emitting element; and one or a plurality of light receiving elements for receiving light reflected by a reflective layer, among the light emitted via the light transmission part. The one or the plurality of light receiving elements are formed, for example, on a first main surface of the circuit board. The light emitting board is disposed, for example, on the circuit board at a position facing a second main surface, which is on the opposing side of the first main surface, and is stacked on the circuit board with a first bump therebetween.

Pipelaying guidance

A device for providing pipelaying guidance is disclosed. The device may determine an original shape of a pipeline that comprises a plurality of pipeline segments. The device may obtain current location data concerning a respective position of each pipeline segment of the plurality of pipeline segments, and may determine a current shape of the pipeline based on the current location data. The device may calculate, based on the original shape of the pipeline and the current shape of the pipeline, stress information concerning the pipeline, and may perform one or more actions based on the stress information.

COMPONENT WITH AN INTEGRATED SENSOR DEVICE FOR AN OPTICAL, MULTIAXIS MEASUREMENT OF A FORCE EFFECT

Water seal tunnel oil gas pipeline deformation monitoring system

FORCE SENSOR

This force sensor 100 comprises: a support part 3, a force reception part 1 that is displaced in relation to the support part 3 by external force, a strain generation part comprising an elastic coupling part 5 coupling the support part 3 and the force reception part 1 and a scale holding part 9, scales 8a-8h that are disposed on the elastic coupling part 5 and the scale holding part 9 and are objects to be detected, and displacement detection elements 10a-10h that are mounted on a sensor substrate 7 composing the support part 3 so as to oppose the scales 8a-8h in one-to-one correspondence and are for detecting the movement of the scales 8a-8h. The force reception part is made from metal, and the strain generation part is made from resin.

SENSOR DEVICE

A sensor device comprising: a light-emitting unit that emits light toward a first mirror, or toward a second mirror that faces the first mirror and that is provided so that the orientation relative to the first mirror can be changed; and a light-receiving unit that receives reflected light produced by the first mirror and the second mirror reflecting the light emitted from the light-emitting unit.

Optical force sensing assembly for an elongated medical device

The present invention concerns an elongated medical device (1) suitable for intravascular insertion. Said device comprising a flexible elongated body (2) having a distal portion (3) with a distal end (4) and a proximal portion (5) and an optic force sensing assembly (20) disposed within said flexible elongated body (2) proximate said distal end. The optical force sensing assembly (20) comprises a light source (30), which defines a linear optical light source axis (A), and an optical sensor (40), which faces the light source (30) and which defines a linear optical sensor axis (B) and whereat the optical sensor (40) is arranged in a distance (d0, d1) to the light source along the optical sensor axis (B), a mounting assembly (50) for the optical sensor (40) and the light source (30) which allows for relative movement of the light source (30) against the optical sensor (40) at least in the directions X, Y, Z of the Cartesian coordinate system, wherein direction Z is parallel to the direction ...

A TACTILE SENSOR

MOTORISED APPARATUS FOR ASSISTING WITH WALKING, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAID ASSISTING APPARATUS WITH AN ELECTRONIC HANDLE

The invention relates to an electronic handle (1) or to an apparatus for assisting with walking equipped with such a handle, said electronic handle being arranged so as to allow at least one component of a force that is applied thereto to be measured, said handle (1) comprising a central part (10) and an exterior jacket (20), said electronic handle (1) being characterised in that it comprises a first photoelectric cell (30) and a first obturating element (40), which are arranged so that a force applied to the electronic handle (1) is able to cause a modification of the amount of photons received by a first receiver (32), said modification being proportional to a first component of the force applied to the electronic handle (1).

FORCE SENSOR AND DEVICE PROVIDED WITH FORCE SENSOR

The invention relates to a force sensor 100 that detects a force acting from the outside, and provides the force sensor 100 whose reduction in size and cost can be achieved. The force sensor 100 includes a support member 20, a force receiving member 4 that is displaced with respect to the support member 20 by the action of an external force, an elastic connection member 5 connecting the support member 20 and the force receiving member 4, scales 8a to 8d, which are detection target object bodies, disposed at the elastic connection member 5, displacement detection elements 9a to 9d that are mounted on the sensor substrate 7 composing the support member 20 so as to face the scales 8a to 8d in a one-to-one manner, and that detect movements of the scales 8a to 8d.

Force sensor and robot equipped with force sensor

A force sensor that quantitatively detects an external force. The force sensor comprises a base unit, a displacement unit displacing by an external force, a first displacement sensor pair including two sets of sensors detecting a relative displacement between the base unit and the displacement unit in a first direction, and a second displacement sensor pair including two sets of sensors detecting a relative displacement between the base unit and the displacement unit in a second direction. Among four quadrants divided by two straight lines along each of the first direction and the second direction wherein, the straight lines passing through a midpoint of the two sets of sensors composing the first displacement sensor pair, the two sets of sensors composing the second displacement sensor pair are respectively disposed in two quadrants in which the two sets of sensors composing the first displacement sensor pair are respectively disposed.

DRIVE SHAFT MONITORING SYSTEM

Digital tension and galloping synchronous monitoring device for power transmission line and use method

The invention belongs to the technical field of power transmission line tension galloping online measurement, and particularly relates to a digital tension galloping synchronous monitoring device for a power transmission line and a use method. The hardware fitting comprises a hardware fitting sensor and a sensor demodulation processing structure. The fitting sensor is hung on a power transmission line, and three strain sensors and at least one temperature sensor are arranged in the fitting sensor; the sensor demodulation processing structure comprises a signal source, a signal monitoring device and a processing display unit, the signal source is connected with the strain sensor and the temperature sensor through signal transmission lines, and the strain sensor and the temperature sensor are sequentially connected to the signal monitoring device and the processing display unit through the signal transmission lines. The device can realize the measurement of three-dimensional force, realizes ...

Three-dimensional force optical fiber self-decoupling sensing and fault-tolerant measurement method and integrated integration thereof

The invention provides a three-dimensional force optical fiber self-decoupling sensing and fault-tolerant measurement method and integrated integration thereof. The method comprises the specific steps that S0, a three-dimensional force sensor structure with four optical fibers is configured; each optical fiber is in a parallel tensioning suspension state and is provided with a section of gate region; the method comprises the following steps: S1, carrying out a space coupling loading calibration test on the three-dimensional force sensor, recording central wavelength drift distances of four gate regions, and taking a force value actually applied to the three-dimensional force sensor as a reference value; s2, constructing a measurement data set of the three-dimensional force sensor in a normal state and an optical fiber fracture state; s3, adopting dung beetle algorithm optimization training to obtain an optimal extreme learning machine model for realizing self-decoupling or fault-tolerant ...

FORCE SENSOR, SENSOR ARRAY INCLUDING SAME, AND GRIPPING DEVICE

A force sensor (1) comprising: a first resin body (11) positioned on a substrate (9), the first resin body (11) sealing a light-emitting element (5) and a light-receiving unit (7), and transmitting emitted light from the light-emitting unit (5); a reflective surface (13a) that reflects light from the light-emitting element (5) toward the light-receiving unit (7); and an outer layer (13) positioned on the side of the first resin body that is opposite from the substrate, the outer layer (13) having greater hardness than the first resin body. The light-emitting element (5) is positioned between two straight lines (L1, L2) that are orthogonal to a line segment (Ls) connecting a first light-receiving element (7a) and a second light-receiving element (7b), and that pass through respective end points (Pe1, Pe2) of the line segment (Ls). The reflective surface (13a) is positioned on the substrate side of the outer layer (13), or is positioned between the outer layer (13) and the light-emitting ...

Force detecting device and robot

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.

Tactile sensors and methods

Various tactile sensors and associated methods are enabled. For instance, a sensing apparatus comprises a photosensitive sensor. A compound-eye structure is on the photosensitive sensor and an elastomer layer is on the compound-eye structure. A reflective layer is on the elastomer layer, opposite the compound-eye structure and a light source emits light between the reflective layer and the compound-eye structure.

FORCE MEASURING DISC AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING FORCES IN THE PICONEWTON TO NANONEWTON RANGE

The invention relates to a force measuring disc having a planar regular arrangement of force measuring cells, wherein a force measuring cell is formed in a hole in the force measuring disc, in which hole precisely one planar element which is secured by springs in a self-supporting fashion is arranged and is oriented so as to run parallel to the force measuring disc, wherein each spring is connected in a materially joined fashion at a first end to the edge of a hole and at a second end to the edge of a planar element, wherein a. the force measuring disc, the springs and the planar elements are formed from the same material, b. the springs are embodied as elongate meandering structures with more than two meandering periods, and c. each planar element is surrounded by four springs arranged in a rotationally symmetrical fashion, and d. each planar element can be elastically deflected in three spatial directions under the effect of a force, wherein there is a linear relationship between the ...

TRIAXIAL FIBER OPTIC FORCE SENSING CATHETER

A fiber optic force sensing assembly for detecting forces imparted at a distal end of a catheter assembly. The structural member may include segments adjacent each other in a serial arrangement, with gaps located between adjacent segments that are bridged by flexures. Fiber optics are coupled to the structural member. In one embodiment, each fiber optic has a distal end disposed adjacent one of the gaps and oriented for emission of light onto and for collection of light reflected from a segment adjacent the gap. The optical fibers cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a change in the intensity of the reflected light, or alternatively to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member. In another embodiment, the gaps are bridged by fiber Bragg gratings that reflect light back through the fiber optic at central wavelengths that vary with the strain imposed on the grating.

MOTORISED APPARATUS FOR ASSISTING WITH WALKING, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAID ASSISTING APPARATUS WITH AN ELECTRONIC HANDLE

MULTI-FORCE SENSING INSTRUMENT FOR ROBOTIC SURGICAL SYSTEMS

FORCE SENSOR AND ROBOT INCLUDING SAME

A force sensor includes a strain body including a base portion, a displacement portion configured to make a displacement relative to the base portion under external force, and an elastic connection portion configured to elastically connect the base portion and the displacement portion, a board including a detection unit configured to detect the displacement of the displacement portion relative to the base portion in a first direction, and an interposed member interposed between the strain body and the board, the interposed member including an extending portion extending in a second direction intersecting a surface of the board and the first direction.

DRIVE SHAFT MONITORING SYSTEM

Drive shaft monitoring system (20) comprising a first and second coded disc (21a-b), wherein the first (21a) and second (21b) coded disc are provided with multiple slots or recesses (22) evenly distributed in circumferential direction thereof, wherein the drive shaft monitoring system (20) comprises at least two independent light sensor assemblies (30a-c) arranged in connection with the slots or recesses (22) of the first (21a) and second (21b) coded disc.

ELASTOMERIC TACTILE SENSOR

A tactile sensor including a camera positioned to capture images of marks. An elastically deformable skin including an outer surface having attributes and an undersurface having pins, ridges, or both. Each undersurface pin or ridge includes a mark. A processor detects displacement of the marks in captured images and compares the displaced positions of the marks in the captured images to stored sets of preleamed positions of marks, based on a distance function, to determine a quality of match value for each set of the preleamed positions of marks. A best quality matched preleamed pattern of forces is determined using a user selected function, to calculate a best matching set of the preleamed positions of marks. Identify a pattern of forces acting on the elastically deformable skin based on the determined best matched preleamed pattern of forces.

COMPONENT WITH AN INTEGRATED SENSOR DEVICE FOR AN OPTICAL, MULTIAXIS MEASUREMENT OF A FORCE EFFECT

A component (100) with an integrated sensor device (200) for an optical multiaxis measurement of a force effect on the component (100) is disclosed. The component (100) comprises a cavity (110) and a first supporting element (210) with one or more first optical elements (220) and a second supporting element (230) with one or more second optical elements (240), wherein the first supporting element (210) and the second supporting element (230) are formed in the cavity (110) and are partially fitted within the component (100). The component (100) also comprises a transmitting device (300), which is designed to be connected to an energy source and, when it is connected to the energy source, to generate at least two beams (331, 332) in directions which are independent of one another, wherein the beams (331, 332) each run through the cavity (110) between the first optical elements (220) and the second optical elements (240). The first optical elements (220) and the second optical elements (240 ...

FORCE SENSOR

FIBRE OPTIC CABLE SENSING APPARATUS

Retroreflective Multi-Axis Force Torque Sensor

The present application discloses implementations that relate to devices and techniques for sensing position, force, and torque. Devices described herein may include a light emitter, photodetectors, and a curved reflector. The light emitter may project light onto the curved reflector, which may reflect portions of that projected light onto one or more of the photodetectors. Based on the illuminances measured at the photodetectors, the position of the curved reflector may be determined. In some implementations, the curved reflector and the light emitter may be elastically coupled via one or more spring elements; in these implementations, a force vector representing a magnitude and direction of a force applied against the curved reflector may be determined based on the position of the curved reflector.

Component with an integrated sensor device for an optical, multi-axial measurement of a force application

A component has an integrated sensor device for an optical, multi-axis measurement of a force applied to the component. The component includes a cavity and a first support element having one or more first optical elements and a second support element having one or more second optical elements. The first support element and the second support element are formed in the cavity and partially inserted into the component. A transmission device generates at least two beams in independent directions when connected to a power source. The beams pass through the cavity between the first optical elements and the second optical elements. The first optical elements and the second optical elements are adapted to generate information about a relative positional change of the first support element with respect to the second support element based on the at least two beams. The transmission device provides the information for measuring the force application.

Force sensor based on photoelectric matrix and sensing method

The invention discloses a force sensor based on a photoelectric matrix and a sensing method, and the force sensor comprises a light source module which is used for forming emergent light, and the emergent light forms a light spot; the photoelectric matrix is used for receiving the light spot to form a first electric signal, and after the relative position of the light source module and the photoelectric matrix is changed to enable the position of the light spot to be changed in the photoelectric matrix, the output first electric signal is associated with the relative position; any one of the light source module and the photoelectric matrix is installed on the deformable structure. According to the invention, through the structural design of deformation, the light source module or the photoelectric matrix has the moving capability of multiple degrees of freedom, and when the light source module or the photoelectric matrix moves, the relation between the relative movement between the light ...

FORCE SENSOR AND ROBOT EQUIPPED WITH SAME

Force sensor

A force sensor according to the present invention is configured to detect at least one component among components of a force in each axis direction in an XYZ three-dimensional coordinate system and a moment around each axis, and includes: a support body arranged on an XY plane; a deformation body joined to the support body; and a detection circuit that outputs an electric signal indicating a force applied on the deformation body. The deformation body includes a first deformation portion having a first spring constant and a second deformation portion having a second spring constant different from the first spring constant, and the detection circuit outputs, in response to an applied force, a first electric signal corresponding to the deformation of the first deformation portion and a second electric signal corresponding to the deformation of the second deformation portion and determines whether the force sensor functions normally based on a change of a ratio between the first electric signal ...

THREE-DIMENSIONAL DEVICE FOR MEASURING LOCAL DEFORMATIONS

Vision-based three-dimensional force detection method and device and related equipment

The invention discloses a three-dimensional force detection method and device based on vision and related equipment. The three-dimensional force detection method comprises the following steps that a camera collects a stress displacement image of a color silica gel square block on a flexible probe; inputting the stress displacement image into a trained three-dimensional force detection model; the three-dimensional force detection model outputs three-dimensional force detection data; the three-dimensional force detection model is a convolutional neural network model adopting a decoupling three-dimensional force network structure. According to the invention, a plurality of small colored silica gel blocks are arranged and combined into the elastic body, the deformation image of the contact elastic body shot by the camera is modeled into a three-dimensional force signal through a deep learning algorithm, the three-dimensional force in a flexible environment is decoupled, and the method has high ...

FIBRE OPTIC CABLE SENSING APPARATUS

TACTILE SENSOR

FORCE SENSOR

SENSOR ARRANGEMENT FOR SENSING FORCES AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING A SENSOR ARRANGEMENT AND PARTS THEREOF

Apparatus and method for measuring axial force of bolt

An axial force measurement apparatus measuring an axial force of a bolt member by measuring a clamping force, of a nut member threaded onto the bolt member, which is applied to fasten a structure, includes: a sensor that applies vibration to the structure through one side of the tightened nut member and obtains, on an opposite side of the nut member, a signal by the vibration that propagates through the structure and passes through the nut member; and an analyzer that analyzes the signal received from the sensor and determines the axial force of the bolt member using a difference in propagation velocity of the signal by the vibration according to the clamping force of the nut member.

FORCE MEASURING DISC AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING FORCES IN THE PICONEWTON TO NANONEWTON RANGE

MULTI-DIRECTIONAL HIGH-RESOLUTION OPTICAL TACTILE SENSORS

Optical tactile sensors are provided that include a scaffolding structure, a transparent elastomer material covering at least an end portion of the scaffolding structure, and one or multiple cameras situated on the end portion of the scaffolding structure and embedded within the transparent elastomer material, wherein the one or multiple cameras are situated so as to provide an extended, e.g., up to 360°, field of view about the end portion of the scaffolding structure.

SENSOR DEVICE

A sensor device includes: a light-emitting section that outputs light to a first mirror or a second mirror, the second mirror facing the first mirror and being configured to change an orientation with respect to the first mirror; and a light-receiving section that receives reflection light, reflected from the first mirror and the second mirror, of the light outputted from the light-emitting section.

MONOLITHIC FLEXURE BASED, TRIAXIAL DYNAMOMETER USING PHOTOINTERRUPTERS

Optical fiber grating type three-dimensional force sensor

Triaxial fiber optic force sensing catheter

A fiber optic force sensing assembly for detecting forces imparted at a distal end of a catheter assembly. The structural member may include segments adjacent each other in a serial arrangement, with gaps located between adjacent segments that are bridged by flexures. Fiber optics are coupled to the structural member. In one embodiment, each fiber optic has a distal end disposed adjacent one of the gaps and oriented for emission of light onto and for collection of light reflected from a segment adjacent the gap. The optical fibers cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a change in the intensity of the reflected light, or alternatively to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member. In another embodiment, the gaps are bridged by fiber Bragg gratings that reflect light back through the fiber optic at central wavelengths that vary with the strain imposed on the grating.

Multi-axis force sensor

Aspects described herein provide structures for a force sensor, and force sensors using such structures, which are compact and easy to manufacture, for example by 3D printing. In particular the structures comprise a pair of stacked ring sensor elements, the ring sensor elements in turn being formed by upper and lower ring elements joined together at points around the circumference thereof by resiliently mounted connection bars. The connection bars may extend in the same plane as the rings, in which case sensitivity to torque about the axis of the rings is much reduced, such that a five-axis sensor is effectively obtained, or the connection bars may extend obliquely between the upper and lower rings of each sensor element, such that they have a directional component in the direction of the axis of the rings (the rings of each element being co-axially stacked). In this second case application of a torque about the ring axis causes the oblique connection bars to either increase or decrease ...

ELASTOMERIC TACTILE SENSOR

OPTICAL FORCE SENSORS

Apparatus for measuring forces and/or moments on a load-carrying element comprises plural optical sensors mounted to the load-carrying element. Each of the optical sensors includes a light source, a photosensor and an opaque mask positioned in a light path between the light source and the photosensor. The photosensor comprises first and second light sensitive elements separated by a boundary. The mask has a window that is movable relative to the photosensor and is located such that light from the light source that passes through the window forms an illuminated region on the photosensor. The illuminated region includes at least part of the boundary and parts of each of the first and second light sensitive elements. Each of the optical sensors has a first part which includes the light source and the photosensor that is coupled to the load-carrying element at a first location and a second part that includes the mask that is attached to the load-carrying element at a second location spaced apart from the first location. Boundaries between the first and second light sensitive elements in different ones of the optical sensors are oriented in different directions relative to an axis of the load-carrying element. The apparatus may be applied to monitor forces and moments in six degrees of freedom.

Three-dimensional force sensing surgical needle for minimally invasive surgery

Retroreflective multi-axis force torque sensor

The present application discloses implementations that relate to devices and techniques for sensing position, force, and torque. Devices described herein may include a light emitter, photodetectors, and a curved reflector. The light emitter may project light onto the curved reflector, which may reflect portions of that projected light onto one or more of the photodetectors. Based on the illuminances measured at the photodetectors, the position of the curved reflector may be determined. In some implementations, the curved reflector and the light emitter may be elastically coupled via one or more spring elements; in these implementations, a force vector representing a magnitude and direction of a force applied against the curved reflector may be determined based on the position of the curved reflector.

FORCE SENSING DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING FORCE SENSING DEVICE

A force sensing device includes a support member including: a sensor support portion to which a force sensor is coupled on one surface of the support member; and a frame coupling portion extending from the sensor support portion. The force sensing device further includes: a frame disposed to face another surface of the support member, and disposed to be spaced apart from the support member; and at least one spacing member disposed between the support member and the frame, and spacing the support member apart from the frame. The force sensor is not disposed in the frame coupling portion. The spacing member is disposed between the frame coupling portion and the frame. 1. A force sensing device , comprising: a sensor support portion to which a force sensor is coupled on one surface of the support member; and', 'a frame coupling portion extending from the sensor support portion;, 'a support member includinga frame facing another surface of the support member, and disposed to be spaced apart from the support member; andat least one spacing member disposed between the support member and the frame and spacing the support member apart from the frame,wherein the force sensor is not disposed in the frame coupling portion, andwherein the spacing member is disposed between the frame coupling portion and the frame.2. The force sensing device of claim 1 , wherein the a least one spacing member has a spherical shape or a cylindrical shape.3. The force sensing device of claim 2 , wherein the frame includes at least one insertion portion disposed on one surface of the frame claim 2 , and the at least one spacing member is disposed in the at least one insertion portion.4. The force sensing device of claim 3 , wherein the at least one insertion portion is formed as a concave groove having an inner radius of curvature that is greater than a radius of curvature of a surface of the at least one spacing member.5. The force sensing device of claim 3 , wherein the frame includes at least ...

Robot finger multi-dimensional force sensing device and method based on fiber Bragg grating

DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTICAL SENSING ELEMENT FOR SENSING AXIAL LOADS, NOTABLY FOR A BEARING

A device configured to be mounted on a mechanical component and to measure an axial load exerted on the mechanical component, the device including a ring provided with an inner cylindrical surface and with an outer opposite cylindrical surface, the inner and outer cylindrical surfaces delimiting the radial thickness of the ring. The device further provides at least one optical sensing fiber disposed in a first circumferential groove provided on one of the outer and inner cylindrical surfaces of the ring.

Object detecting device using multi-touch pressure-sensing

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a pill detection apparatus may comprise a blister pack receiving container, an elastomeric connector layer; and a printed circuit board (PCB) layer disposed beneath the elastomeric connector layer. The PCB layer may include a plurality of touch points, wherein each touch point of the plurality of touch points is configured to, when the blister pack is disposed on top of the elastomeric connector layer, sense whether a respective region of the blister pack is in contact with the elastomeric connector layer. The PCB layer may include a plurality of IR sensors sense properties of a respective region of the blister pack.

MOTORISED APPARATUS FOR ASSISTING WITH WALKING, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAID ASSISTING APPARATUS WITH AN ELECTRONIC HANDLE

The invention relates to an electronic handle (1) or a walking assistance apparatus equipped with such a handle, said electronic handle being arranged so as to allow the measurement of at least one component of a force applied thereto, said handle (1) comprising a central part (10) and an outer jacket (20), said electronic handle (1) being characterized in that it comprises a first photoelectric cell (30) and a first shutter element (40), arranged so that a force applied to the electronic handle (1) is capable of causing a change in the amount of photons received by a first receiver (32), said change being proportional to a first component of the force applied to the electronic handle (1).

TACTILE SENSORS AND METHODS

Various tactile sensors and associated methods are enabled. For instance, a sensing apparatus comprises a photosensitive sensor. A compound-eye structure is on the photosensitive sensor and an elastomer layer is on the compound-eye structure. A reflective layer is on the elastomer layer, opposite the compound-eye structure and a light source emits light between the reflective layer and the compound-eye structure.

A TACTILE SENSOR

A tactile sensor includes a first layer formed of flexible material having an outer contact surface and an opposed inner interface surface, a second layer formed of substantially transparent flexible material arranged in substantially continuous contact with the flexible first layer at the interface surface, a camera, and reflective material. The first and second layers are configured so that pressure exerted by an object or objects contacting the outer contact surface causes at least localized distortion of the interface surface. The camera is arranged to capture an image of the interface surface through the flexible second layer. The reflective material is configured so that the appearance of at least part of the reflective material changes as the viewing angle changes and the reflective material is located between the layers at the interface surface.

Bearing axial loading device and bearing axial loading test system

Manipulator touch-slip sensor based on fiber bragg grating

Double-cross beam type three-dimensional force sensor based on fiber bragg grating

Волоконно-оптическое устройство измерения давления

Полезная модель относится к области измерения давления в области медицины и может быть использована для предотвращения образования пролежней у пациента. Технический результат предлагаемого волоконно-оптического устройства измерения давления заключается в упрощении конструкции предложенного устройства по сравнению с конструкцией прототипа. Технический результат в волоконно-оптическом устройстве измерении давления, содержащем источник лазерного излучения, оптический фильтр, оптический разветвитель, оптический измерительный датчик, фотоприемник, контроллер определения параметра физического поля, достигается тем, что в него дополнительно введены циркулятор, N оптических опорных датчиков, где N – натуральный ряд чисел больше или равно 1, N–1 оптических измерительных датчиков, N–1 фотоприемников, причем число оптических опорных датчиков равно числу оптических измерительных датчиков и равно числу фотоприемников, частотомер, при этом источник лазерного излучения выполнен широкополосным, каждый оптический опорный датчик идентичен друг другу и выполнен на основе волоконной решетки Брэгга с фазовым π-сдвигом, каждый оптический измерительный датчик идентичен друг другу и выполнен на основе волоконной решетки Брэгга с фазовым π-сдвигом, причем коэффициент отражения каждого оптического опорного датчика меньше коэффициента отражения каждого оптического измерительного датчика, каждый фотоприемник идентичен друг другу, контроллер определения параметра физического поля выполнен в виде контроллера определения давления, причем выход источника лазерного излучения соединен посредством волоконного световода с входом циркулятора, первый выход которого соединен посредством волоконного световода с входом оптического фильтра, второй выход циркулятора соединен посредством волоконного световода с входом оптического разветвителя, причем каждый из N выходов оптического разветвителя соединены посредством волоконных световодов соответственно с входами каждого из N оптических опорных датчиков, ...

Волоконно-оптическое устройство измерения давления

Полезная модель относится к области измерения давления в области медицины и может быть использована для предотвращения образования пролежней у пациента. Технический результат предлагаемого волоконно-оптического устройства измерения давления заключается в упрощении конструкции предложенного устройства по сравнению с конструкцией прототипа. Технический результат в волоконно-оптическом устройстве измерения давления, содержащем источник лазерного излучения, оптический фильтр, оптический разветвитель, оптический измерительный датчик, фотоприемник, контроллер определения параметра физического поля, достигается тем, что в него дополнительно введены циркулятор, N-1 оптических датчиков, где N - натуральный ряд чисел больше или равно 1, N-1 фотоприемников, причем число оптических датчиков равно числу фотоприемников, частотомер, при этом источник лазерного излучения выполнен широкополосным, каждый оптический датчик идентичен друг другу и выполнен на основе линейно чирпированной волоконной решетки Брэгга с двумя фазовыми π-сдвигами, каждый фотоприемник идентичен друг другу, контроллер определения параметра физического поля выполнен в виде контроллера определения давления, причем выход источника лазерного излучения соединен посредством волоконного световода с входом циркулятора, первый выход которого соединен посредством волоконного световода с входом оптического фильтра, второй выход циркулятора соединен посредством волоконного световода с входом оптического разветвителя, причем каждый из N выходов оптического разветвителя соединены посредством волоконных световодов соответственно с входами каждого из N оптических датчиков, выходы каждого из N оптических датчиков соединены посредством волоконных световодов соответственно с входами каждого из N фотоприемников, выходы N фотоприемников соединены посредством электрических проводов с соответствующими входами частотомера, выход которого соединен посредством электрических проводов с входом контроллера определения давления. В волоконно ...

Волоконно-оптический датчик измерения усилия

Полезная модель относится к измерительной технике, а именно к волоконно-оптическим датчикам, и может использоваться в системах контроля и измерения усилий или давления. Волоконно-оптический датчик измерения усилия, содержащий чувствительный элемент, представляющий собой волоконно-оптический кабель в пластиковой оболочке в виде спиральной намотки, и толкатель, обеспечивающий передачу усилия на чувствительный элемент, отличающийся тем, что содержит фиксатор, обеспечивающий восстановление формы чувствительного элемента после снятия усилия с датчика, состоящий из двух полуцилиндрических деталей, повторяющих форму чувствительного элемента, двух прижимов волокна, обеспечивающих неподвижность чувствительного элемента относительно полуцилиндрических деталей в верхней и нижней частях чувствительного элемента и равномерное распределение усилия толкателя на чувствительный элемент, и упругих элементов, представляющих собой механические пружины или отталкивающиеся магниты, расположенные вдоль направляющих осей, обеспечивающих перемещение полуцилиндрических деталей фиксатора в зависимости от усилия на датчик и их возврат в исходное положение после снятия усилия с датчика. Техническим результатом является расширение функциональных возможностей, повышение точности измерения при отрицательных температурах окружающей среды. 2 ил. РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) (13) 204 543 U1 (51) МПК G01L 1/24 (2006.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ОПИСАНИЕ ПОЛЕЗНОЙ МОДЕЛИ К ПАТЕНТУ (52) СПК G01L 1/24 (2021.02) (21)(22) Заявка: 2020135930, 02.11.2020 (24) Дата начала отсчета срока действия патента: (73) Патентообладатель(и): Общество с ограниченной ответственностью «Пифагор-М» (RU) Дата регистрации: 31.05.2021 (45) Опубликовано: 31.05.2021 Бюл. № 16 2 0 4 5 4 3 R U (54) Волоконно-оптический датчик измерения усилия (57) Реферат: Полезная модель относится к измерительной технике, а именно к волоконно-оптическим датчикам, и может использоваться в системах контроля и ...

Sensor apparatus and robot apparatus

To well remove a noise component due to vibration of a flexible member from an original detection signal output from a detecting unit and suppress a phase delay of a detection signal obtained by filtering. For this purpose, the present invention provides a detecting unit including a flexible member deforming according to a state of an object to be measured and a sensor detecting an amount of deformation of the flexible member and outputting an original detection signal indicating a detection result. A filtering unit outputs a detection signal obtained by filtering the original detection signal using a filter coefficient. A calculating device calculates a vibration frequency of the flexible member contained in the original detection signal. A changing unit changes a filter coefficient of the filtering unit to cause the filtering unit to function as a filter for attenuating the vibration frequency calculated by the calculating device.

Device for the touch-sensitive characterization of a surface texture

Device ( 100 ) for touch-sensitive characterisation of surface texture comprising at least one three-axis force sensor ( 104 ) at least partially covered by a coating structure ( 108 ) comprising at least one first part ( 110 ) placed against the sensor and at least a second part ( 112 ) placed against the first part such that the first part is arranged between the sensor and the second part, the second part comprising at least one protrusion arranged on a side opposite the first part and a shoulder arranged against a first face of the first part of the coating structure, located on the side opposite a second face of the first part placed against the sensor, the hardness of the material of the first part being lower than the hardness of the material of the second part.

Optical tactile sensors

A sensor for sensing pressure is disclosed. The sensor may be a pressure sensor for sensing pressure, or a tactile sensor for sensing tactile events through pressure measurement. In one aspect, the sensor includes at least one pressure sensor having at least one VCSEL on a substrate. It further includes a compressible sensor layer covering a top surface of the at least one VCSEL, and a reflecting element covering a top surface of the sensor layer. A method of manufacturing such a sensor is also disclosed.

Droop Tester Apparatus and Method

The invention relates to a system for testing heart valve leaflets. The system includes a leaflet support assembly with a support post for receiving and supporting a leaflet to be tested, the post being disposed in a target region of the support assembly. The system also has a transmitter assembly that includes a light source and is configured and arranged to direct light from the light source onto the target region. The system further includes a receiver assembly that has an image sensor configured and arranged to sense an image of the target region and generate image information indicative of the sensed image, such as leaflet droop.

Rail stress detection system and method

A system for detecting stress in rails includes a railcar, having a rail temperature detector, and a rail imaging device oriented to produce images of rail joints and rail anchors. The imaging device and temperature detector are connected to a computer controller, which is programmed to provide an output signal indicative of estimated axial stress in the rail based upon rail temperature and the images of at least one of the rail joints and rail anchors.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROBING AN OBJECT, MEDIUM OR OPTICAL PATH USING NOISY LIGHT

A method and apparatus for optically probing an object(s) and/or a medium and/or an optical path using noisy light. Applications disclosed include but are not limited to 3D digital camera, detecting material or mechanical properties of optical fiber(s), intrusion detection, and determining an impulse response. In some embodiments, an optical detector is illuminated by a superimposition of a combination of noisy light signals. Various signal processing techniques are also disclosed herein. 1) A method of optically probing an object(s) and/or a medium and/or an optical path including the object(s) or medium , the method comprising:a) illuminating the object(s) or the medium to induce, from the object(s) or medium, one or more noisy light response signals that are randomly or pseudo-randomly modulated;b) receiving into an optical detector an optical superimposition of (i) a source light signal used in step (a) to carry out the illuminating and (ii) one or more of the induced noisy light response signals, thereby illuminating the optical detector so as to generate a combination electrical signal describing the optically superimposed plurality of received noisy light response signals; i) a relationship between power and frequency of the combination electrical signal or a derivative thereof over a discrete or continuous spectrum;', 'ii) a temporal autocorrelation function of the combination electrical signal;', 'iii) a distance parameter(s) involving one or more the objects;', 'iv) a mechanical stress or strain;', 'v) a change in a light propagation time of at least one optical path;', 'vi) a difference in light propagation times of multiple optical paths or a temporal change thereof;', 'vii) mechanical motion of an object; and', 'viii) a material or mechanical property of an optical fiber, at least a portion of which is included in the optical path of step (a)., 'c) determining or characterizing or detecting from the combination electrical signal, at least one of2. ( ...

Stress-sensitive material and methods for using same

A stress-sensing material containing a matrix material and a photo-luminescent particle is disclosed, together with adhesives and coatings containing the stress-sensing material. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the stress-sensing material and measuring the stress on an article using the stress-sensing material.

OBTAINING FORCE INFORMATION IN A MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL PROCEDURE

Methods of and a system for providing force information for a robotic surgical system. The method includes storing first kinematic position information and first actual position information for a first position of an end effector; moving the end effector via the robotic surgical system from the first position to a second position; storing second kinematic position information and second actual position information for the second position; and providing force information regarding force applied to the end effector at the second position utilizing the first actual position information, the second actual position information, the first kinematic position information, and the second kinematic position information. Visual force feedback is also provided via superimposing an estimated position of an end effector without force over an image of the actual position of the end effector. Similarly, tissue elasticity visual displays may be shown. 146-. (canceled)47. A robotic system comprising:a display;a robotic arm adapted to manipulate an instrument; anda processor programmed to cause a computer model of the instrument to be displayed relative to a real-time image of the instrument on the display so as to indicate a force being applied against a distal end of the instrument.48. The robotic system of claim 47 , wherein the processor is programmed to cause the computer model of the instrument to be displayed on the display according to a kinematically determined position of the distal end of the instrument.49. The robotic system of claim 47 , wherein the robotic arm comprises linkages that are coupled together and manipulated through motor controlled joints claim 47 , and wherein the processor is programmed to cause the computer model of the instrument to be displayed on the display according to sensed positions of the motor controlled joints.50. The robotic system of claim 47 , wherein the robotic arm comprises linkages that are coupled together and manipulated through motor ...

Apparatus. System And Method For Dynamically Measuring Material Viscoelasticity Using Shear Wave Induced Resonance

A system for dynamically measuring viscoelasticity of material samples using shear wave induced resonance, the system comprising: i) an apparatus comprising a vibration source; a vibration detector; a processor, and a user interface, for example to select a sample holder configuration, and ii) a rigid sample holder connectable to the vibration source, wherein the vibration source generates shear waves that induce vibrations and the resonance of a sample through the holder, the vibration sensor measuring the sample vibrations and resonance, and the processor determining the viscoelasticity of the sample from the vibrations or resonances and from the selected sample holder configuration. Multiple measurement modalities using the system to study materials viscoelasticity as function of time parameters; temperature parameters; strain parameters; repetition parameters and mapping parameters. 1. A method for dynamically measuring viscoelasticity of material samples using shear wave induced resonance , the method comprising:mounting at least one material sample to a rigid sample holder;selectively inducing resonance to the sample by applying selected shear waves induced by the vibrations of the rigid holder;measuring the resonance of the sample in the rigid holder to obtain at least one of:displacement, velocity and acceleration spectra as a function of excitation frequency; andderiving the viscoelastic properties of the sample from the measured spectra and from sample's geometrical shape and precise dimensions.2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising selecting at least one from a plurality of testing modalities.3. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said holder is a circular or non-circular cylindrical container having an open top and bottom.4. The method as claimed in claim 3 , wherein said sample material is a plate claim 3 , sheet or membrane claim 3 , said holder having a number of apertures providing a corresponding number of circular or non- ...

PRESSURE SENSOR AND APPARATUS FOR SENSING PRESSURE AND TOUCH SCREEN INCLUDING THE SAME

Disclosed is a film or a panel that may measure pressure while interacting with an electronic device. A pressure sensor according to the present invention includes: a light source unit to generate light; an optical waveguide to transfer, to a light receiving unit, the light that is generated by the light source unit; and the light receiving unit to receive the light that is transferred through the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide includes a pressure sensing unit to adjust the quantity of light that is transferred through the optical waveguide based on a pressure. The light receiving unit senses the pressure based on the change in the quantity of light that is generated by the light source unit and is transferred through the optical waveguide. 1. A pressure sensor comprising:a light source unit to generate light;an optical waveguide to transfer, to a light receiving unit, the light that is generated by the light source unit; andthe light receiving unit to receive the light that is transferred through the optical waveguide,wherein the optical waveguide includes a pressure sensing unit to adjust the quantity of light that is transferred through the optical waveguide based on a pressure.2. The pressure sensor of claim 1 , wherein the pressure sensing unit includes:a pressurizing layer to which the pressure is applied; andan optical waveguide layer through which the light passes, andthe light receiving unit senses the pressure based on a change in the quantity of light between the generated light and the transferred light that occurs due to a difference between a refractive index of the pressurizing layer and a refractive index of the optical waveguide layer.3. The pressure sensor of claim 2 , wherein:the pressurizing layer and the optical waveguide layer of the pressure sensing unit are formed to be spaced apart from each other, andthe pressurizing layer contacts with the separate optical waveguide layer due to the pressure applied to the pressurizing layer.4. ...

Torsion measurement device

A torsion measurement device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes a component having a marked surface and an optical sensor. The marked component and the optical sensor may be attached to a tube or other elongate member and positioned to enable the optical sensor to measure angular deflection of the tube from rotation of the marked component with respect to the optical sensor. The angular deflection may be combined with other data to determine applied torque and torsional stress on the tube or other elongate member. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

APPARATUS FOR QUANTIFYING UNKNOWN STRESS AND RESIDUAL STRESS OF A MATERIAL AND METHOD THEREOF

An apparatus for quantifying unknown stress and residual stress of a material to be tested, the material being a birefringent or temporary birefringent material, which includes a light source, a polarizer in front of the light source for converting a light beam from the light source into a beam with linear polarization, a first quarter-wave plate in front of the polarizer for generating circular polarization, a standard material, a second quarter-wave plate, an analyzer, a loading unit, a spectrometer for obtaining transmissivity spectrum of the standard material under the wavelength of the light source and a detecting module connected to the spectrometer to have the transmissivity spectrum of the material to be tested and consequently a stress quantifying formula for the standard material. 1. An apparatus for quantifying unknown stress and residual stress of a material , the material being a birefringent or temporary birefringent material , the apparatus comprising:a light source for generating light beam of a single wavelength or multiple wavelengths;a polarizer in front of the light source for converting a light beam from the light source into a beam with linear polarization;a first quarter-wave plate in front of the polarizer for generating circular polarization;a standard material the same as that of the material to be tested and being free of unknown stress and residual stress, which is mounted or located in front of the first quarter-wavelength plate with a face thereof facing a face of the first quarter-wave plate;a second quarter-wave plate in front of the standard material with its one face facing a face of the standard material;an analyzer in front of the second quarter-wave plate with its one face facing a face of the second quarter-wave plate;a loading unit for loading the standard material;a spectrometer in front of the analyzer for recording intensity of the light passing through the analyzer and obtaining transmissivity spectrum of the standard ...

PRESSURE SENSOR, SENSOR ARRAY, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SENSOR ARRAY, AND GRASPING APPARATUS

A pressure sensor includes: a supporting body which has an opening; a pressure detecting portion which includes a supporting film provided on the supporting body and having a diaphragm portion closing the opening, and a piezoelectric body provided on the diaphragm portion and deflecting to output an electric signal; a frame body which has, on the pressure detecting portion, a cylindrical cavity along a film thickness direction of the supporting film, and is formed, in plan view when viewed from the film thickness direction of the supporting film, at a position where a cylindrical inner peripheral wall of the cavity overlaps with the opening, or outside of the opening; a sealing film which closes the frame body; and a silicone oil which is filled in an inner space formed of the cylindrical inner peripheral wall of the cavity, the sealing film, and the pressure detecting portion. 1. A sensor array comprising:a pressure sensor which hasa supporting body which has an opening, a supporting film provided on the supporting body and having a diaphragm portion closing the opening, and', 'a piezoelectric body provided on the diaphragm portion and deflecting to output an electric signal,, 'a pressure detecting portion which includes'}a frame body which has, on the pressure detecting portion, a cylindrical cavity along a film thickness direction of the supporting film, and is formed, in plan view when viewed from the film thickness direction of the supporting film, at a position where a cylindrical inner peripheral wall of the cavity overlaps with an inner peripheral edge of the opening, or outside of the inner peripheral edge of the opening,a sealing film which closes the frame body, anda pressure medium which is filled in an inner space formed of the cylindrical inner peripheral wall of the cavity, the sealing film, and the pressure detecting portion; and a second supporting body having a second opening, and', 'an ultrasonic transducer portion including a second supporting ...

System And Method For Post-Tensioned Tendon Monitoring

A system and method for post-tensioned tendon monitoring includes at least one optical sensor arranged in monitoring proximity to a post-tensioned tendon, a test instrument in communication with the optical sensor, and a processor capable of managing operation of the test instrument, a storage device and a display. The system and method further include a database adapted to contain sensor baseline information and sensor measurement data. The test instrument is capable of sending a first wavelength to the optical sensor and receiving a second wavelength from the optical sensor, wherein at least one of the instrument or the processor is configured to analyze the second wavelength and output sensor measurement data for storage in the database. The processor is configured to calculate an amount of tensile loading which exists in the post-tensioned tendon, based on the sensor measurement data and the sensor baseline data, and to provide an output. 1. A system for post-tensioned tendon monitoring comprising:at least one optical sensor arranged in monitoring proximity to a post-tensioned tendon;a test instrument in communication with the at least one optical sensor; the test instrument,', 'a storage device associated with the processor, and', 'a display in communication with the processor;, 'a processor capable of managing operation ofa database stored on the storage device, wherein the database is adapted to contain sensor baseline information and sensor measurement data;wherein the test instrument is capable of sending a first wavelength to the at least one optical sensor and receiving a second wavelength from the at least one optical sensor, wherein at least one of the instrument or the processor is configured to analyze the second wavelength and output sensor measurement data for storage in the database; andwherein the processor is adapted to access the database and configured to calculate an amount of tensile loading which exists in the post-tensioned tendon, based on ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING GEOMETRY DEFORMATION IN ROTATING COMPONENTS

A method is provided for measuring geometry deformations of a turbine component, rotor groove or blade root. The method includes providing the turbine component, rotor groove or blade root, respectively, with at least one measuring mark; using the at least one mark as a reference point in determining, in a first measurement, a length on the turbine component or rotor groove or blade root, respectively, before placing the turbine into service. The method also includes operating the turbine for a period of time; determining, in a second measurement, the length on the turbine component, rotor groove or blade root, using the at least one measuring mark as a reference point, after said operating period; comparing the measured lengths of the first and second measurements; and determining an amount of creep deformation in the turbine component, rotor groove or blade root, respectively, based on a difference between the measured lengths. 114. A method for measuring geometry deformations of a turbine component () , rotor groove or blade root , the method comprising the steps of:{'b': 14', '20, 'providing the turbine component (), or rotor groove or blade root, respectively, with at least one measuring mark ();'}{'b': 20', '1', '2', '14, 'using the at least one measuring mark () as a reference point in determining, in a first measurement, a length (L, L) on said turbine component () or rotor groove or blade root, respectively, prior to the turbine being placed into service;'}operating the turbine for a period of time;{'b': 1', '2', '14', '20, 'determining, in a second measurement, said length (L, L) on said turbine component () or rotor groove or blade root, respectively, using again said at least one measuring mark () as a reference point, after said operating period;'}{'b': 1', '2, 'comparing the measured lengths (L, L) of said first and second measurements; and'}{'b': '14', 'determining an amount of creep deformation in said turbine component () or rotor groove or blade ...

Bridge Safety Monitoring Integrated System with Full Optical Fiber and the Method for Sensing Thereof

The present invention provides an integrated system of full optical complete bridge safety monitoring with speech warming for smart phones. The Integrated system of full optical complete bridge safety monitoring includes a stabilizing device, optical sensing device and communication device. The basic structure involves cable and optical fiber connecting two ends and joined by heat shrink tubes. A measuring segment is located between two heat shrink tubes. The stabilizing device provides a pre-determined tensile strength to the measuring segment. The optical fiber sensing device detects a response via a Fiber Bragg grating in the optical fiber's measuring segment. When the measuring segment receives a response, it changes from first phase to second phase and creates a signal change from the reflected signals. Signal processing device converts the signal changes to physical parameters. The communication device sends warning signals to users. Warning signals are sent to users' smart phones, to proactively inform the bridge's safety status with speeches.

DETECTION OF MECHANICAL STRESS ON COATED ARTICLES

A medical device comprising a wall, a coating of SiO, and a piezochromic material is disclosed. The piezochromic material is associated with the wall, and changes its appearance when the wall is exposed to mechanical stress exceeding a threshold intensity. Also disclosed is a method of interrogating a closed medical device for processing damage, comprising at least the acts of providing a closed medical device and inspecting the medical device. The medical device is inspected from the exterior for a change in the appearance of at least some of its piezochromic material that is characteristic of exposure of the wall to mechanical stress exceeding a threshold intensity greater than zero. Optionally in any embodiment inspecting is carried out using a spectrophotometer to determine the change in the color of at least some of its piezochromic material. 1. A medical device comprising:a wall having an interior surface defining a lumen and an exterior surface;a coating or layer on the interior surface; anda piezochromic material associated with the wall, the piezochromic material having the property of changing its appearance when the wall is exposed to mechanical stress exceeding a threshold intensity.2. The medical device of claim 1 , in which at least a portion of the coating or layer is a barrier coating or layer.3. The medical device of claim 1 , in which at least a portion of the coating or layer has the ratio of elements SiOx claim 1 , in which x in this formula is from about 1.5 to about 2.9.4. The medical device of claim 1 , in which at least a portion of the coating or layer is applied using chemical vapor deposition.5. The medical device of claim 1 , in which at least a portion of the coating or layer is applied using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition6. (canceled)7. The medical device of claim 1 , in which at least a portion of the wall is comprised of thermoplastic material.8. The medical device of claim 1 , in which the piezochromic material is coated ...

SENSOR DEVICE, FORCE DETECTION DEVICE, AND ROBOT

A sensor device includes a sensor element which is formed by laminating a piezoelectric substance and an electrode, a first case and a second case which house the sensor element therein, and a pressing portion which presses the sensor element in the lamination direction of the piezoelectric substance and the electrode via the first and second cases. 1. A sensor device comprising:a sensor element including a piezoelectric substance laminated with an electrode;a first case and a second case which house the sensor element therein; anda pressing portion which presses the sensor element in a lamination direction of the piezoelectric substance and the electrode by the first and second cases.2. The sensor device according to claim 1 ,wherein the pressing portion is an elastic member which is pressed by the first and second cases.3. The sensor device according to claim 2 ,wherein the elastic member is a gasket which is formed of rubber, an elastic elastomer, or a metal.4. The sensor device according to claim 1 ,wherein the pressing portion is a bellows portion which is formed in the first or second case.5. The sensor device according to claim 1 ,wherein the first case and the second case have connection portions which connect the first and second cases together.6. The sensor device according to claim 1 ,wherein, when a Z direction is the lamination direction of the sensor element, and an X direction and a Y direction are directions which are orthogonal to the Z direction and are orthogonal to each other, the sensor device includes at least a first sensor element which detects a force in the X direction, a second sensor element which detects a force in the Y direction, and a third sensor element which detects a force in the Z direction.7. The sensor device according to claim 1 ,wherein the piezoelectric substance is quartz crystal.8. A force detection device comprising:{'claim-ref': {'@idref': 'CLM-00001', 'claim 1'}, 'the sensor device according to .'}9. A robot comprising ...

Method And System For Monitoring Bend And Torque Forces On A Drill Pipe

A system and method for monitoring bend radius and torque force exerted on a drill string. A sensor system is supported within a pipe section of the drill string and has a light source supported within the pipe section to emit a light beam within the pipe section. An optical sensing device is supported within the pipe section and spaced apart from the light source. The optical sensing device transmits a detection signal indicative of the position of the light beam on a surface of the optical sensing device to a processor that determines the bend radius and torque force exerted on the pipe section. 1a light source supported within the pipe section to emit a light beam within the pipe section;an optical sensing device supported within the pipe section and spaced apart from the light source, wherein the optical sensing device transmits a detection signal indicative of the position of the light beam on a surface of the optical sensing device; anda processor for receiving the detection signal and processing the detection signal to determine the force exerted on the pipe section.. A system for monitoring a force exerted on a pipe section, the system comprising: This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/165,418 filed Jun. 21, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No 8,833,183 issued Sep. 16, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.: 61/356,863 filed Jun. 21, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.The present invention relates generally to installation of underground utilities and specifically to a system for monitoring of forces exerted on drill pipe during operation of a drill rig.The present invention is directed to a system for monitoring a force exerted on a pipe section. The system comprises a light source supported within the pipe section to emit a light beam within the pipe section, an optical sensing device supported within the pipe section and spaced apart from the light source, and a ...

SENSOR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

A sensor and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The sensor includes a substrate, a projecting portion including a plurality of projections that protrude upwardly from an upper portion of the substrate, and an electrode portion covering the projections and the upper portion of the substrate between the projections. The projecting portion of the sensor may have a micro-size projections and sense pressure applied thereto and a sliding movement thereon. 1. A sensor comprising:a substrate;a projecting portion comprising a plurality of projections that protrude upwardly from an upper portion of the substrate, the projections comprising an elastic material; andan electrode portion comprising a conductive material and covering the projections and the upper portion of the substrate between the projections.2. The sensor according to claim 1 , wherein a height of the projections is greater than an interval between the projections adjacent to each other claim 1 , and the projections tilts in response to horizontal force being applied thereto and the projections returns to original shapes thereof in response to the force being removed.3. The sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the projections have a pattern like a fingerprint in a top plan view.4. The sensor according to claim 2 , wherein the projections have a pattern like a fingerprint in a top plan view.5. The sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the projections are formed integrally with the substrate.6. The sensor according to claim 2 , wherein the projections are formed integrally with the substrate.7. The sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the substrate and the projections are formed of an elastic dielectric material.8. The sensor according to claim 2 , wherein the substrate and the projections are formed of an elastic dielectric material.9. The sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the electrode portion comprises a graphene material.10. The sensor according to claim 2 , wherein the electrode portion ...

MEDICAL OPERATION SYSTEM, SURGICAL SYSTEM, SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, AND EXTERNAL FORCE SENSING SYSTEM

The present technology is to provide a medical operation system, a surgical system, a surgical instrument, and an external force sensing system that detect a force acting on an end effector in a preferred manner. The medical operation system includes: an inner slave having an end effector; an outer slave into which the inner slave is inserted, the outer slave supporting the inner slave at a position that allows the end effector to protrude outward from an end of the outer slave; a strain detection unit that detects strain generated in the outer slave; and a processing unit that calculates a force acting on the end effector in a living subject, on the basis of a result of detection performed by the strain detection unit. The outer slave is a structure decoupled from the inner slave. 1. A medical operation system comprising:an inner slave having an end effector;an outer slave into which the inner slave is inserted, the outer slave supporting the inner slave at a position that allows the end effector to protrude outward from an end of the outer slave;a strain detection unit that detects strain generated in the outer slave; anda processing unit that calculates a force acting on the end effector in a living subject, on a basis of a result of detection performed by the strain detection unit.2. The medical operation system according to claim 1 , whereinthe outer slave has a bending portion that bends in a long axis direction, andthe strain detection unit is disposed on a distal end side than the bending portion.3. The medical operation system according to claim 1 , whereinthe outer slave has a structure decoupled from the inner slave, and a cable for pulling the end effector is inserted together with the inner slave into the outer slave.4. The medical operation system according to claim 1 , whereinthe strain detection unit includes strain detection elements disposed at two positions on respective opposite sides in two directions perpendicular to the long axis direction of ...

Pressure sensor and manufacturing method therefor

A pressure sensor ( 10 ) comprising: a detection film ( 200 ) which is arranged on a silicon substrate ( 100 ) and is used for detecting a pressure which is applied to the surface of the detection film and generating a bulge deformation which adapts to the size of the pressure; an optical transmitter ( 300 ) and an optical detector ( 400 ) which are arranged on the silicon substrate ( 100 ), are located on a plane which is parallel to a plane where the detection film ( 200 ) is located, and are oppositely arranged at two sides of the detection film ( 200 ); and a pressure calculation module which is connected to the optical detector ( 400 ) and is used for acquiring detected light intensity data, and calculating a pressure value according to the light intensity data.

METHOD OF PREPARING MECHANOLUMINESCENT MATERIAL AND COMPOSITE MATERIAL CONTAINING IT

A method of preparing a mechanoluminescent material includes the steps of: a) providing a mixture including precursors of a base material, a fluxing agent, and at least one lanthanide ion; b) heat-treating the mixture to obtain the mechanoluminescent material; and c) optionally grinding the mechanoluminescent material into powder form; wherein the fluxing agent facilitates incorporation of the at least one lanthanide ion into the base material. A composite material includes a first mechanoluminescent material, wherein the first mechanoluminescent material includes at least 2-3 mol % of a lanthanide ion. 1. A method of preparing a mechanoluminescent material comprising the steps of:a) providing a mixture including precursors of a base material, a fluxing agent, and at least one lanthanide ion;b) heat-treating the mixture to obtain the mechanoluminescent material; andc) optionally grinding the mechanoluminescent material into powder form;wherein the fluxing agent facilitates incorporation of the at least one lanthanide ion into the base material.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the fluxing agent includes a lithium compound.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the lithium compound is provided in a molar percentage of 6% in the mixture.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mixture includes a lanthanide fluoride to provide the at least one lanthanide ion.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lanthanide ion includes at least one of Tb claim 1 , Pr claim 1 , Nd claim 1 , Sm claim 1 , Eu claim 1 , Dy claim 1 , Ho claim 1 , Er claim 1 , Tm or Yb.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the precursors of base material include calcium carbonate and zinc sulfide.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the calcium carbonate is provided at an atomic ratio with respect to the at least one lanthanide ion by 1-x:x claim 6 , wherein x is 0.002 claim 6 , 0.005 claim 6 , 0.01 claim 6 , 0.02 claim 6 , 0.03 claim 6 , 0.04 or 0.08.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mechanoluminescent material ...

Input Devices that Use Self-Mixing Interferometry to Determine Movement Within an Enclosure

An input device includes an enclosure defining a three-dimensional input space and one or more self-mixing interferometry sensors coupled to the enclosure and configured to produce a self-mixing interferometry signal resulting from reflection of backscatter of emitted light by a body part in the three-dimensional input space. In various examples, movement of the body part may be determined using the self-mixing interferometry signal, which may in turn be used to determine an input. In some examples, a body part displacement or a body part speed and an absolute distance to the body part may be determined using the self-mixing interferometry signal and used to determine an input. In a number of examples, multiple self-mixing interferometry sensors may be used and the movement may be determined by analyzing differences between the respective produced self-mixing interferometry signals. 1. An input device , comprising:an enclosure defining a three-dimensional input space;a self-mixing interferometry sensor coupled to the enclosure and configured to emit a beam of coherent light from an optical resonant cavity to illuminate a body part in the three-dimensional input space, receive a reflection or backscatter of the beam into the optical resonant cavity, and produce a self-mixing interferometry signal resulting from self-mixing of the coherent light within the optical resonant cavity; anda processor configured to:determine a body part displacement or a body part speed and an absolute distance to the body part using the self-mixing interferometry signal; anddetermine an input using the body part displacement or the body part speed and the absolute distance.2. The input device of claim 1 , wherein the input corresponds to a touch of the body part to an object.3. The input device of claim 2 , wherein the processor estimates an amount of force exerted on the object by the body part.4. The input device of claim 1 , wherein the self-mixing interferometry sensor is configured to ...

SENSORY ARRAY STRUCTURES WITH TWO OR MORE DIFFERENT SETS OF RESOLUTION, METHOD OF FABRICATION OF AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME

Tactile sensing using both coarse and fine tactile sensors. A coarse tactile sensor having a first sensitive area at least partially encompasses or overlies a plurality of fine tactile sensors, each having a respective sensitive area smaller than the first sensitive area. The coarse tactile sensor(s) and fine tactile sensors may be carried on a same circuit board or separate circuit boards. Processor(s) circuits are communicatively coupled to the coarse and/or fine tactile sensors. Information indicative of at least a presence or absence of force or pressure at a given location monitored by the respective tactile sensor, and/or a measure of the force or pressure or strain is collected. Such may be mounted to a backing, and optionally covered or encased in an artificial skin. Collecting sensor readings employs both coarse and fine tactile sensors, sampling corresponding fine tactile sensors in response to detection by a coarse tactile sensor. 1. An apparatus to provide tactile sensing , comprising:a first coarse tactile sensor, the first coarse tactile sensor having a respective sensor surface area over which the first coarse tactile sensor is responsive to at least one of force or pressure, the respective surface area of the first coarse tactile sensor having an area greater than a first value; anda first set of fine tactile sensors comprising a plurality of fine tactile sensors, each of the fine tactile sensors of the first set of fine tactile sensors having a respective sensor surface area over which the fine tactile sensor is responsive to at least one of force or pressure, the respective surface area of each of the fine tactile sensors of the first set of sensors having a respective area less than or equal to the first value, the plurality of fine tactile sensors of the first set of fine tactile sensors arrayed with respect to one another, the arrayed fine tactile sensors of the first set of fine tactile sensors delineating a first arrayed footprint of the first ...

SEALING MEMBER WITH VISIBLE PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE INDICATION

A sealing member for a machine may include an elastomeric body configured to fit at least partially into a recess defined in at least one of two sealing surfaces of two mating parts of the machine. The elastomeric body may include a visible indicator portion extending out from between the two mating parts. The elastomeric body may further include an elastomeric compound, and at least one of a thermochromic dye and a piezochromic dye mixed into the elastomeric compound, wherein the thermochromic dye is adapted to change color upon exposure of the elastomeric body to a temperature above a threshold temperature, and the piezochromic dye is adapted to change color upon exposure of the elastomeric body to a pressure above a threshold pressure. 1. A sealing member for a machine , comprising: a visible indicator portion extending out from between the two mating parts;', 'an elastomeric compound;', 'a thermochromic dye; and', 'a piezochromic dye,', 'wherein the thermochromic dye is adapted to change color upon exposure of the elastomeric body to a temperature above a threshold temperature, and the piezochromic dye is adapted to change color upon exposure of the elastomeric body to a pressure above a threshold pressure., 'an elastomeric body configured to fit at least partially into a recess defined in at least one of two sealing surfaces of two mating parts of the machine, the elastomeric body including2. (canceled)3. (canceled)4. (canceled)5. The sealing member of claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric body includes a flexible coating applied to a sealing component configured for engagement between the two sealing surfaces of the two mating parts of the machine.6. The sealing member of claim 5 , wherein the flexible coating includes at least two layers applied to the sealing component.7. The sealing member of claim 6 , wherein one of the at least two layers applied to the sealing component includes the thermochromic dye claim 6 , and another of the at least two layers includes ...

In-situ Combined Sensing of Uniaxial Nanomechanical and Micromechanical Stress with Simultaneous Measurement of Surface Temperature Profiles by Raman Shift in Nanoscale and Microscale Structures

Embodiments of the present disclosure include separating a measured Raman shift signal into mechanical and thermal components when a uniaxial compressive load is applied in situ. In some embodiments, in situ uniaxial compressive loads are applied on examined specimens from room temperature to 150° C. In alternate embodiments, Raman shift measurements are performed as a function of strain at constant temperature and/or as a function of temperature at constant strain levels. It was realized that the Raman shift measured at a given temperature under a given level of applied stress can be expressed as a summation of stress-induced Raman shift signal and temperature-induced Raman shift signal measured separately. Such a separation of Raman shift signal is utilized by various embodiments to measure localized change in thermal conductivity and/or mechanical stress of structures (e.g., semiconductor structures) under applied stress. 1. A method for measuring mechanical properties of a microscale or nanoscale structure , comprising:receiving energy reflected from a structure while the structure is being illuminated; anddetermining at least one stress property and at least one temperature property of the structure from the energy received from the structure.2. The method of claim 1 , comprising:illuminating the structure with a laser.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said determining at least one stress property and at least one temperature property of the structure occurs simultaneously from the energy received from the structure.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said determining includes analyzing the energy received from the structure by Raman spectroscopy.5. The method of claim 1 , comprising:applying stress to the structure.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein said determining includes:{'sub': 'm', 'measuring the Raman shift difference Δω; and'}calculating stress components σij.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein said determining includes determining the stress ...

SENSOR DEVICE

A sensor device includes a plurality of systems each having a sensor element, and a computation unit configured to calculate as a first value a value of at least one of a force and a moment applied to a detection target in a predetermined axial direction, based on a detection signal detected by the sensor element, and an abnormality determining unit configured to compare the first values calculated by the computation units of the systems with one another, and determine that there is an abnormality if a difference of the first value is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. The computation unit of at least one of the systems calculates as a second value a value of at least one of a force and a moment applied to the detection target in the axial direction, based on detection signals detected by the sensor elements of the systems. 1. A sensor device comprising:a plurality of systems each having a sensor element configured to detect at least one of an external force and a moment applied to a detection target, and a computation unit configured to calculate as a first value a value of at least one of a force and a moment applied to the detection target in a predetermined axial direction, based on a detection signal detected by the sensor element; andan abnormality determining unit configured to compare the first value calculated by the computation unit of each of the plurality of systems with one another, and to determine that there is an abnormality if a difference of the first value is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount,wherein the computation unit of at least one system of the plurality of systems calculates as a second value a value of at least one of a force and a moment applied to the detection target in the axial direction, based on a plurality of detection signals detected by the respective sensor elements of the plurality of systems.2. The sensor device according to claim 1 , wherein:each of the plurality of systems includes a plurality of ...

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION FOR BONDING

A method and a device for determining the pressure distribution for bonding of a first substrate to a second substrate, with the following steps, especially with the following sequence: placing a measurement layer between a first tool for holding the first substrate and an opposite second tool which is aligned to the first tool for bonding of the substrate, deformation of the measurement layer by bringing the tools closer to one another, measurement of the deformation of the measurement layer and computation of the pressure distribution. 1. A method for determining the pressure distribution for bonding of a first substrate to a second substrate , the method comprising:introducing a measurement layer between a first tool for holding the first substrate and a second tool opposite the first tool, which is aligned to the first tool for bonding of the first and second substrates,deforming the measurement layer by bringing the first and second tools closer to one another,measuring deformation of the measurement layer andcomputing the pressure distribution based on the measurement of the deformation.2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises:introducing a wafer between the measurement layer and the first tool and/or introducing a wafer between the measurement layer and the second tool.3. The method as claimed in claim 1 , claims claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises:measuring the shape of the measurement layer before deformation of the measurement layer.4. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the measurement layer consists of a fluid.5. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the measurement layer is distributed between the first tool and the second tool using dispensers.6. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein deformation of the measurement layer is measured at a plurality of positions along the measurement layer.7. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the measurement layer is introduced by application of ...

Method And System For Monitoring Bend And Torque Forces On A Drill Pipe

A system and method for monitoring bend radius and torque force exerted on a drill string. A sensor system is supported within a pipe section of the drill string and has a light source supported within the pipe section to emit a light beam within the pipe section. An optical sensing device is supported within the pipe section and spaced apart from the light source. The optical sensing device transmits a detection signal indicative of the position of the light beam on a surface of the optical sensing device to a processor that determines the bend radius and torque force exerted on the pipe section. 1. A system comprising: an optical sensing device supported within the pipe section;', 'a light source supported within the pipe section and spaced apart from the optical sensing device; and', 'an optical mask disposed between the light source and the optical sensing device within the pipe section to allow a predetermined amount of light to pass through the optical mask and onto the optical sensing device; and, 'a pipe section comprisinga processor to determine a force exerted on the pipe section based on a position of the predetermined amount of light on the optical sensing device.2. The system of wherein the force exerted on the pipe section produces a torque or bend radius change.3. The system of wherein the optical sensing device captures a first image of the optical mask when the force has not been exerted on the pipe section and a second image of the optical mask after the force has been exerted on the pipe section.4. The system of wherein a plurality of pixels making up the first image and the second image are used to determine the position in image space of the predetermined amount of light on the first image and on the second image.5. The system of wherein the optical mask comprises a plurality of holes equally and collinearly spaced across a centerline of the optical mask.6. The system of wherein one of the plurality of holes is positioned at a center of the ...

POLYMER, MECHANICAL STRESS SENSOR, METHOD FOR DETECTING MECHANICAL STRESS, METHOD FOR PREPARING POLYMER, COPPER COMPLEX AND METHOD FOR PREPARING SAME

A polymer comprising a polymer chain moiety and a copper complex moiety (1) is useful as a mechanoresponsive luminescent material. Rand Rare linking groups to the polymer chain moiety; Rto Rare H or substituent. 2. The polymer according to claim 1 , wherein Rand Reach comprise a functional group selected from the group consisting of an acryloyl group claim 1 , an epoxy group claim 1 , a triazole group claim 1 , a sulfide group claim 1 , a disulfide group claim 1 , a siloxane bond claim 1 , an amide group claim 1 , an ester group claim 1 , a carbon-carbon single bond claim 1 , a carbon-carbon double bond claim 1 , a carbon-carbon triple bond claim 1 , an azide group claim 1 , a thiol group claim 1 , a hydroxy group claim 1 , a carboxy group claim 1 , an amino group claim 1 , a cyanate group claim 1 , and an isocyanate group.4. The polymer according to claim 1 , wherein Rto Reach independently represent a hydrogen atom claim 1 , an alkyl group claim 1 , an alkenyl group claim 1 , an alkynyl group claim 1 , an alkoxy group claim 1 , a nitro group claim 1 , a cyano group claim 1 , a halogen atom claim 1 , a hydroxy group claim 1 , a thiol group claim 1 , an acyl group claim 1 , a carboxyl group claim 1 , a carboxyamide group claim 1 , an ester group claim 1 , a silane group claim 1 , an alkoxysilane group claim 1 , an amino group claim 1 , an aldehyde group claim 1 , an amide group claim 1 , an isocyanate group claim 1 , a triazole group claim 1 , a sulfide group claim 1 , a disulfide group claim 1 , an aryl-substituted alkyl group claim 1 , a haloalkyl group claim 1 , a halo-alkoxy group claim 1 , an aryl group claim 1 , a heterocycloalkyl group claim 1 , or a heteroaryl group.5. The polymer according to claim 1 , wherein Rand Rare bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring.6. The polymer according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the pyridine rings in the formula (1) is substituted with a substituent.7. The polymer according to claim 1 , wherein Rand Rare ...

PRISM-COUPLING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CHARACTERIZING CURVED PARTS

Prism coupling systems and methods for characterizing curved parts are disclosed. A coupling surface of a coupling prism is interfaced to the curved outer surface of the curved part to define a coupling interface. Measurement light is directed through the coupling prism and to the interface, wherein the measurement light has a width of 3 mm or less. TE and TM mode spectra reflected from the interface are digitally captured. These mode spectra are processed to determine at least one characteristic of the curved part, such as the stress profile, compressive stress, depth of layer, refractive index profile and birefringence. 1. A method for determining at least one characteristic of a part having a bulk refractive index n , an outer surface and a near-surface waveguide region defined by an ion-exchanged region having a peak refractive index n>n , comprising:{'sub': p', 'p', 'f', 's, 'interfacing a coupling surface of a coupling prism of refractive index nto the outer surface through an interfacing fluid of refractive index nf, wherein n≥n>n, to define a coupling interface proximate the near-surface waveguide region;'}directing measurement light from a light source through the coupling prism and to the coupling interface and coupling a portion of the measurement light into TE and TM modes supported by the near-surface waveguide region;digitally capturing TE and TM mode spectra from the measurement light reflected from the coupling interface and defined by the TE and TM modes supported by the near-surface waveguide region; andprocessing the TE and TM mode spectra to determine the at least one characteristic of the near-surface waveguide region of the part.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein n=n.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein n≥n>n.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the TE and TM mode spectra each comprise a sequence of mode lines.5. The method according to claim 4 , wherein the mode lines comprise bright lines.6. The method according to ...

PRESSURE SENSOR

Provided is a pressure sensor including a first optical waveguide inside a lower substrate, a graphene layer above the lower substrate, an upper substrate above the graphene layer, and spacers between the lower substrate and the upper substrate. 1. A pressure sensor comprising:a first optical waveguide inside a lower substrate;a graphene layer on the lower substrate;an upper substrate on the graphene layer; andspacers between the lower substrate and the upper substrate.2. The pressure sensor of claim 1 , wherein a top surface of the first optical waveguide is coplanar with a top surface of the lower substrate.3. The pressure sensor of claim 1 , wherein the graphene layer is in contact with the top surface of the lower substrate and the top surface of the first optical waveguide.4. The pressure sensor of claim 1 , wherein a refractive index of the upper substrate is greater than or equal to a refractive index of the first optical waveguide.5. The pressure sensor of claim 1 , wherein a refractive index of the upper substrate is less than a refractive index of the first optical waveguide.6. The pressure sensor of claim 1 , further comprising a protection film configured to cover one surface of the graphene layer.7. The pressure sensor of claim 6 , wherein the protection film is disposed between the lower substrate and the graphene layer claim 6 , andthe spacers are in contact with a top surface of the lower substrate and a bottom surface of the protection film.8. The pressure sensor of claim 6 , wherein the protection film is disposed between the graphene layer and the upper substrate claim 6 , andthe spacers are in contact with a top surface of the protection film and a bottom surface of the upper substrate.9. The pressure sensor of claim 1 , wherein the spacers and the upper substrate are integrated with each other.10. The pressure sensor of claim 1 , wherein each of the spacers has a cross-section with a shape of a triangle claim 1 , a quadrangle claim 1 , or a ...

PRESSURE DETERMINATION METHOD AND DEVICE AND FINGERPRINT RECOGNITION METHOD AND DEVICE

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. 1. A pressure determination method applied to a terminal , comprising:acquiring fingerprint information from a preset region of the terminal, the fingerprint information comprising a plurality of first signals corresponding to ridges of a fingerprint and a plurality of second signals corresponding to valleys of the fingerprint; anddetermining a pressure on the preset region according to a relationship between the first signals and the second signals.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the pressure on the preset region according to the relationship between the first signals and the second signals comprises:calculating a difference value between the first signals and the second signals; andwhen the difference value is smaller than a preset difference value threshold, determining that the pressure on the preset region is higher than a preset pressure threshold.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein calculating the difference value between the first signals and the second signals comprises:calculating a first difference value between a maximum first signal of the plurality of first signals and a maximum second signal of the plurality of second signals; and/orcalculating a second difference value between a minimum first signal of the plurality of first signals and a minimum second signal of the plurality of second signals,wherein, under the condition that the first difference value is smaller than a first preset difference value threshold, and/or the second difference value ...

PRESSURE SENSING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME

A pressure sensing film includes first and second films. The first and second films are configured to form an optical cavity therebetween. A flexible transparent film is arranged in the optical cavity. The flexible transparent film is compressible in response to a pressure change in air adjacent the pressure sensing film. A pressure sensing device and a method of sensing pressure adjacent a surface are also disclosed. 1. A pressure sensing film , comprising:first and second films, the first and second films configured to form an optical cavity therebetween; anda flexible transparent film arranged in the optical cavity, wherein the flexible transparent film is compressible in response to a pressure change in air adjacent the pressure sensing film.2. The pressure sensing film of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second films is metallic.3. The pressure sensing film of claim 2 , wherein at least one of the first and second films comprises gold.4. The pressure sensing film of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second film comprises stacked dielectric layers.5. The pressure sensing film of claim 1 , wherein the first film is reflective and the second film is semi-transparent.6. The pressure sensing film of claim 1 , wherein both the first and second films are semi-transparent.7. The pressure sensing film of claim 1 , wherein the flexible transparent film comprises a polymeric material.8. The pressure sensing film of claim 7 , wherein the flexible transparent film comprises luminescent particles.9. The pressure sensing film of claim 8 , wherein the luminescent particles are thermographic phosphors.10. The pressure sensing film of claim 1 , wherein the pressure sensing film is configured to sense a pressure adjacent a surface of a structure in a gas turbine engine.11. A pressure sensing device claim 1 , comprising:a pressure sensing film, comprising:first and second films, the first and second films configured to form an optical cavity ...

Micromanipulation systems and methods

A micromanipulation system includes a micromanipulator that includes a handpiece, and a micromanipulation tool that includes a tool shaft and is operatively connected to the handpiece. The micromanipulator further includes an actuator assembly connected to the micromanipulation tool to provide manual control of the micromanipulation tool, and a force sensing system comprising a force sensor attached to the tool shaft. The force sensing system is configured to provide an output signal that indicates a force imposed on the tool shaft. The micromanipulation system also includes a processor that is in communication with the force sensing system, and is configured to receive the output signal and compensate for forces due to actuation of the micromanipulation tool to determine a force due to interaction of the micromanipulation tool with a region of interest. The processor outputs an indication of at least one of a magnitude and a direction of the determined force.

Coating analysis system

A coating analysis system and method inductively heat a component having a coating. Optionally, the component is heated while a cooling fluid flows through cooling holes extending through the component and the coating. The system and method measure rates of infrared radiation emission from the component and the coating at different locations on the component and the coating. The system and method determining bond qualities (e.g., tensile strengths of bonds) between the coating and the component at the different locations based on the rates of infrared radiation emission that are measured.

INVERTED VEHICLE AND LOAD DETECTION DEVICE

An inverted vehicle according to the present invention includes: a riding portion; an output portion; an input portion that receives an input of the signal output from the output portion; a passing/blocking portion which includes a passing portion and a blocking portion; a main support portion that elastically supports the riding portion so that the blocking portion is located between the output portion and the input portion to block passage of the signal when no load is applied to the riding portion, and is compressed and deformed so that the passing portion is located between the output portion and the input portion to allow passage of the signal when a load is applied to the riding portion; and a control portion that performs an inverted traveling control of the inverted vehicle when the signal is passing through a path between the output portion and the input portion. 1. An inverted vehicle that travels with a rider riding thereon , the inverted vehicle comprising:a riding portion on which the rider rides;an output portion that outputs a signal in a lower portion of the riding portion;an input portion that receives, in the lower portion of the riding portion, an input of the signal output from the output portion;a passing/blocking portion connected so as to be located between the output portion and the input portion in the lower portion of the riding portion, the passing/blocking portion including: a passing portion that allows the signal to pass therethrough; and a blocking portion that blocks passage of the signal;a main support portion that elastically supports the riding portion so that the blocking portion is located between the output portion and the input portion to block passage of the signal when no load is applied to the riding portion, and is compressed and deformed so that the passing portion is located between the output portion and the input portion to allow passage of the signal when a load is applied to the riding portion; anda control portion ...

Device to capture relative position of a component of which the position can change relative to a reference component of a washing handling device, and corresponding washing handling device

A sensor device to measure a force or pressure in a washing handling apparatus includes a light source, a light receiver, a light-reflecting surface that reflects light emitted by the light source toward the light receiver, and one or more spring elements that biases the light-reflecting surface into a predefined initial position with respect to the light source and the light receiver where the light-reflecting surface is disposed to be displaceable with respect to the light source and the light receiver in response to application of an external force or pressure against a resetting force of the one or more spring elements. 1. A sensor device to measure a force or pressure in a washing handling apparatus , the sensor device comprising:a light source;a light receiver;a light-reflecting surface that reflects light emitted by the light source toward the light receiver; andone or more spring elements that biases the light-reflecting surface into a predefined initial position with respect to the light source and the light receiver,wherein the light-reflecting surface is disposed to be displaceable with respect to the light source and the light receiver in response to application of an external force or pressure against a resetting force of the one or more spring elements to thereby change a distance of the light-reflecting surface relative to the light source and the light receiver,wherein the device is configured to determine the applied external force or pressure based on reflected light captured by the light receiver.2. The sensor device of wherein the one or more spring elements include a compression spring disposed to be compressed in response to application of the external force or pressure.3. The sensor device of wherein the device is configured to determine the applied external force or pressure based on the reflected light captured by the light receiver and further based on a spring constant of the one or more spring elements and Hooke's law.4. The sensor device ...

DYNAMOMETER

A dynamometer may include a sensor embedded within and distributed uniformly within a pad. The pad may be configured for gripping by a human hand or foot such that grip force of particular elements of the human hand or foot may be sensed by the sensor. 1. A dynamometer comprising:a sensor or plurality of sensors distributed within a pad or fabric, the pad or fabric disposed for gripping by at least a portion of a human hand or foot such that grip strength of particular elements of the human hand or foot is sensed by the sensor or plurality of sensors distributed within a pad or fabric.2. The dynamometer of claim 1 , wherein the pad or fabric has at least 91 cmsurface area.3. The dynamometer of claim 1 , comprising:a controller configured to receive signals from the sensor or plurality of sensors distributed within the pad or fabric corresponding to the sensed grip strength, anda prompting device operably connected to the controller and configured to produce visual or audio signals corresponding to the sensed grip strength.4. The dynamometer of claim 1 , comprising:a controller configured to receive signals from the sensor or plurality of sensors distributed within the pad or fabric corresponding to the sensed grip strength, anda prompting device operably connected to the controller and configured to produce one or more signals corresponding to the sensed grip strength, the one or more signals corresponding to respective one or more fingers or thumb of the human hand or one or more toes of the foot.5. The dynamometer of claim 1 , wherein the pad or fabric has an outline or representation of a hand thereon to indicate hand and finger placement for the gripping by the human hand or the pad or fabric has an outline or representation of a foot thereon to indicate foot and toe placement for the gripping by the human foot.6. The dynamometer of claim 1 , comprising:a controller configured to receive signals from the sensor or plurality of sensors distributed within the pad ...

PHOTONIC CRYSTAL LASER AND STRAIN MEASURING DEVICE

A photonic crystal laser and a strain measuring device are provided. The photonic crystal laser includes a disk-shaped photonic crystal structure two-dimensionally disposed in a matrix on a disposition plane and a flexible substrate disposed to support the photonic crystal structure and to cover at least a side surface of the photonic crystal structure. 1. A photonic crystal laser comprising:a disk-shaped photonic crystal structure two-dimensionally disposed in a matrix on a disposition plane; anda flexible substrate disposed to support the photonic crystal structure and to cover at least a side surface of the photonic crystal structure.2. The photonic crystal laser as set forth in claim 1 , wherein an arrangement period of the photonic crystal structure is between 550 and 700 nm claim 1 , andthe photonic crystal structure oscillates in a E-point band-edge mode.3. The photonic crystal laser as set forth in claim 2 , wherein a laser gain medium of the photonic crystal structure is InGaAsP spontaneously emitted at an infrared area or AlGaAs spontaneously emitted around 650 nm.4. The photonic crystal laser as set forth in claim 3 , wherein the photonic crystal structure includes an InGaAsP lower cladding layer claim 3 , a quantum well InGaAsP active layer claim 3 , and an InGaAsP upper cladding layer that are sequentially stacked.5. The photonic crystal laser as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the flexible substrate includes polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) claim 1 , polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).6. The photonic crystal laser as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising:pressure applying means for applying a strain to the flexible substrate.7. A method for fabricating a photonic crystal layer claim 1 , comprising:forming an etch-stop layer on a substrate;forming a buffer layer on the etch-stop layer;forming a photonic crystal active layer on the buffer layer;coating a resist on the photonic crystal active layer and patterning the coated resist to form a ...

High-resolution surface measurement systems and methods

This disclosure provides systems, devices, and methods for capturing and measuring surface topography. This disclosure provides a high resolution retrographic sensor comprising a volume of elastomer and a thin, opaque reflective membrane. The reflective membrane is arranged to conform to a specimen that contacts it. The disclosure provides a high resolution visualization system comprising the retrographic sensor and an illumination source. Also provided are high resolution measurement systems comprising the retrographic sensor, an illumination source, an imaging device, and a processing component.

TORQUE DETECTING METHOD AND ARM DEVICE

According to a torque detecting method, gravitational torque applied to a rotary shaft of an arm is detected in a condition where position control of the arm is stopped, when the arm is located at a first position at which the arm is oriented in a direction different from a direction of gravitational force. Then, a gravity coefficient used for calculating gravitational torque corresponding to a position of the arm is calculated, based on the gravitational torque and the first position. Then, gravitational torque during position control is calculated, based on the position of the arm detected during the position control, and the gravity coefficient. Further, an actual output torque during the position control is calculated, based on operating torque applied to the rotary shaft and detected during the position control, and the gravitational torque calculated during the position control. 1. A torque detecting method of detecting actual output torque applied to a rotary shaft of an arm subjected to position control , comprising:detecting gravitational torque applied to the rotary shaft in a condition to which the position control of the arm is stopped, when the arm is located at a first position at which the arm is oriented in a direction that is different from a direction of gravitational force;calculating a gravity coefficient used for calculating the gravitational torque corresponding to a position of the arm, based on the gravitational torque and the first position;detecting operating torque applied to the rotary shaft during the position control of the arm;detecting the position of the arm during the position control of the arm, and calculating the gravitational torque during the position control, based on the position of the arm detected during the position control, and the gravity coefficient; andcalculating the actual output torque during the position control, based on the operating torque detected during the position control, and the gravitational torque ...

Optical sensor device with enhanced shock absorption

The present invention discloses an optical sensor device, comprising: an optical fiber; a transducer; and an intrinsic fiber optic sensor embedded in the optical fiber; wherein the transducer is arranged as to receive an input action and converting such input action into a proportional strain on the intrinsic fiber optic sensor being at least the transducer and the intrinsic fiber optic sensor enclosed by a housing being the housing filled either with a thermally-responsive substance or a pressure-responsive substance being such device characterized in that the substance is a substance whose viscosity is reduced by at least 70% upon the change from ambient conditions to working conditions.

OPTICAL POSITIONING SENSOR

A sensor is disclosed that provides measurements in multiple degrees of freedom without significantly increasing size, complexity, or cost. The sensor can include a light component in support of a first light source operable to direct a first beam of light, and a second light source operable to direct a second beam of light. The sensor can also include an imaging device that can directly receive the first beam of light and the second beam of light and convert these into electric signals. The imaging device and the light component can be movable relative to one another. The sensor can further include a light location module and/or a position module configured to receive the electric signals and determine locations of the first beam of light, the second beam of light on the imaging device and a relative position of the imaging device and the light component. 1. A sensor , comprising:a first light source that generates a first beam of light;a second light source that generates a second beam of light, wherein the first light source and the second light source are supported by a light support structure;an imager that receives the first beam of light and the second beam of light, wherein the imager and the light support structure are movable relative to one another; anda transparent layer formed between the imager and the light support structure, wherein the transparent layer is operable to facilitate relative movement of the imager and the light support structure;wherein the sensor:determines centers of the first beam of light and the second beam of light on the imager based on respective intensity gradients of the first beam of light and the second beam of light, anddetermines a relative position of the imager and the light support structure based the centers of the first beam of light and the second beam of light.2. The sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the second beam of light is non-parallel to the first beam of light.3. The sensor according to claim 1 ,wherein ...

MULTI-AXIS FORCE SENSOR

Embodiments of the invention provide structures for a force sensor, and force sensors using such structures, which are compact and easy to manufacture, for example by 3D printing. In particular the structures comprise a pair of stacked ring sensor elements, the ring sensor elements in turn being formed by upper and lower ring elements joined together at points around the circumference thereof by resiliently mounted connection bars. The connection bars may extend in the same plane as the rings, in which case sensitivity to torque about the axis of the rings is much reduced, such that a five-axis sensor is effectively obtained, or the connection bars may extend obliquely between the upper and lower rings of each sensor element, such that they have a directional component in the direction of the axis of the rings (the rings of each element being co-axially stacked). In this second case application of a torque about the ring axis causes the oblique connection bars to either increase or decrease their directional component in the axial direction, thus providing sensitivity to torque about the axis, and providing a compact six axis sensor. 1. A resilient structure for a force sensor , comprising:an upper element and a lower element, the upper element being stacked on the lower element;the upper element comprising first upper and lower rings substantially parallel to each other in a first plane, the first upper and lower rings being connected to each other by a first plurality of resiliently mounted beam structures extending parallel to the first plane and resiliently mounted at one end to the first upper ring and at the other end to the first lower ring;the lower element comprising second upper and lower rings substantially parallel to each other in the first plane, the second upper and lower rings being connected to each other by a second plurality of resiliently mounted beam structures extending parallel to the first plane and resiliently mounted at one end to the ...

Soft Shear Force Resistive Sensor Embedded in Artificial Skin

An example sensor device is provided. The sensor device includes (a) a substrate having a first end and a second end, wherein the substrate includes a contact portion, a first sensor portion positioned between the first end of the substrate and the contact portion, and a second sensor portion positioned between the second end of the substrate and the contact portion, (b) a first strain gauge sensor positioned at the first sensor portion, and (c) a second strain gauge sensor positioned at the second sensor portion, wherein the first end of the substrate and the second end of the substrate are configured to be coupled to a rigid curved surface, and wherein the sensor device is configured such that a force applied to the contact portion of the substrate will be sensed by each of the first strain gauge sensor and the second strain gauge sensor. 1. A sensor device comprising:a substrate having a first end and a second end, wherein the substrate includes a contact portion, a first sensor portion positioned between the first end of the substrate and the contact portion, and a second sensor portion positioned between the second end of the substrate and the contact portion, wherein the first and second sensor portions are spaced apart and separated by the contact portion;a first strain gauge sensor positioned at the first sensor portion; anda second strain gauge sensor positioned at the second sensor portion, wherein the first end of the substrate and the second end of the substrate are configured to be coupled to a rigid curved surface such that the substrate is configured to conform to the rigid curved surface, and wherein the sensor device is configured such that a force applied to the contact portion of the substrate will be sensed by each of the first strain gauge sensor and the second strain gauge sensor due to a movement of the substrate with respect to the rigid curved surface.2. The sensor device of claim 1 , wherein each of the first strain gauge sensor and the ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTING PATH ACCORDING TO SELECTION CONDITIONS

An optical element stress aberration calculation system and method, where a stress distribution is obtained through a stress analysis and a light tracking technologies, and then a stress distribution generated by incident lights with different viewing angles is calculated, so that a stress aberration error is reduced. 1. An optical element stress aberration calculation system , comprising:a stress analysis module, analyzing a stress distribution in an optical element;a path analysis module, analyzing an output light path obtained from an incident light onto the optical element;a mapping module, mapping the stress distribution in the optical element onto the output light path; anda calculation module, calculating a stress aberration by a light passing through the optical element according to the stress distribution of the output light path.2. The optical element stress aberration calculation system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the stress analysis module analyzes the stress distribution in the optical element by using a finite element method.3. The optical element stress aberration calculation system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the path analysis module analyzes the output light path obtained from the incident light onto the optical element through a ray tracing.4. The optical element stress aberration calculation system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the calculation module calculates the stress aberration by a light passing through the optical element according to the stress distribution of the output light path by using a Zernike method.5. An optical element stress aberration calculation method claim 1 , comprising steps of:analyzing a stress distribution in an optical element;analyzing an output light path obtained from an incident light onto the optical element;mapping the stress distribution in the optical element onto the output light path; andcalculating a stress aberration by a light passing through the optical element according to the stress ...

Interferometric optical fiber sensor system and interferometric optical fiber sensor head

An interferometric optical fiber sensor system comprises a light source, a first coupler optically connected to the light source, a first optical path for inputting measurement light, a second optical path for inputting reference light, a second coupler for combining the first and second optical paths together, a photodetector for measuring modulation of the measurement light and the reference light, and a coil for modulating with a stress exerted thereon the measurement light and the reference light. The first optical path has an optical length equal to that of the second optical path. The first optical path has a first delay line, while the second optical path has a second delay line. The coil is disposed between the first delay line and the second coupler and between the second delay line and the first coupler.

Overload Protection for Force/Torque Flexure Design

An example device includes a rigid plate, an inner element, a plurality of connecting flexural elements coupled between the inner element and rigid plate, and a hardstop that extends through the inner element and couples to the rigid plate. The inner element has a plurality of reflective surface areas that are configured to reflect light to a sensor. The plurality of connecting flexural elements allow the inner element to move relative to rigid plate. The hardstop contacts the inner element when a load applied on the device exceeds a threshold load. 1. A device , comprisinga rigid plate;an inner element coupled to a plurality of reflective surface areas, wherein the plurality of reflective surface areas are configured to reflect light to a sensor;a plurality of connecting flexural elements coupled between the inner element and the rigid plate, wherein the plurality of connecting flexural elements are configured to allow the inner element to move relative to the rigid plate; anda hardstop that extends through an opening of the inner element and is coupled to the rigid plate, wherein the hardstop contacts the inner element when a load applied on the device exceeds a threshold load.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein a vertical axis is perpendicular to a surface of the inner element claim 1 , and further wherein the rigid plate contacts the inner element when a compressive component of the applied load exceeds a compressive threshold load in a direction parallel to the vertical axis.3. The device of claim 1 , further comprising an additional hardstop claim 1 , wherein the additional hardstop extends through an additional openings of the inner element claim 1 , wherein the additional hardstop is coupled to the rigid plate claim 1 , and wherein each of the hardstops are symmetrically spaced out about a periphery of the inner element.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the hardstop comprises:a cylindrical body portion that extends in a direction parallel to an axis of the ...

PRISM-COUPLING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CHARACTERIZING CURVED PARTS

Prism coupling systems and methods for characterizing curved parts are disclosed. A coupling surface of a coupling prism is interfaced to the curved outer surface of the curved part to define a coupling interface. Measurement light is directed through the coupling prism and to the interface, wherein the measurement light has a width of 3 mm or less. TE and TM mode spectra reflected from the interface are digitally captured. These mode spectra are processed to determine at least one characteristic of the curved part, such as the stress profile, compressive stress, depth of layer, refractive index profile and birefringence. 1. A method for determining at least one characteristic of a curved part having a curved outer surface , comprising:interfacing a coupling surface of a coupling prism to the curved outer surface to define a coupling interface;directing measurement light through the coupling prism and to the interface, wherein the measurement light has a width of 3 mm or less;digitally capturing TE and TM mode spectra reflected from the interface; andprocessing the TE and TM mode spectra to determine the at least one characteristic of the curved part.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one characteristic is selected from the group of characteristics comprising: surface stress claim 1 , stress profile claim 1 , compressive stress claim 1 , depth of layer claim 1 , refractive index profile claim 1 , and birefringence.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the coupling prism has input and output surfaces claim 1 , and further comprising:directing the measurement light through at least one light-restricting member operably arranged relative to at least one of the input and output surfaces, wherein the at least one light-restricting member includes a slot having either a constant or a varying width, wherein the slot defines the width of the measurement light.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the coupling prism has input and output ...

LIGHT-BASED TACTILE SENSING WITH DIRECTIONAL SENSITIVITY

A device includes a substrate and a set of force sensors supported by the substrate. Each force sensor includes a pillar extending outward from the substrate, each pillar comprising a stack of semiconductor layers, the stack of semiconductor layers being configured to emit light upon biasing of the stack of semiconductor layers, and post disposed along only a portion of a perimeter of the pillar such that, taken together, the pillar and the post have an asymmetrical cross-sectional shape. Each pillar has a cross-section elongated along an axis. An orientation of the axis, and a peripheral position of the portion of the perimeter at which the post is disposed, differ across the set of force sensors such that a variation in light emitted by the stack of semiconductor layers of one or more of the force sensors is indicative of a direction of a shear force applied to the set of force sensors. 1. A device comprising:a substrate; and a pillar extending outward from the substrate, each pillar comprising a stack of semiconductor layers, the stack of semiconductor layers being configured to emit light upon biasing of the stack of semiconductor layers; and', 'a post disposed along only a portion of a perimeter of the pillar such that, taken together, the pillar and the post have an asymmetrical cross-sectional shape;, 'a set of force sensors supported by the substrate, each force sensor of the set of force sensors comprisingwherein each pillar has a cross-section elongated along an axis, andwherein an orientation of the axis, and a peripheral position of the portion of the perimeter at which the post is disposed, differ across the set of force sensors such that a variation in light emitted by the stack of semiconductor layers of one or more of the force sensors of the set of force sensors is indicative of a direction of a shear force applied to the set of force sensors.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the post is configured as an electrode to apply a bias voltage across the ...

Optical waveguide system for 2-dimensional location sensing

Pressure sensing having 2-D resolution is provided by an array of optical waveguides having wave-guide intersections (e.g., intersecting rows and columns). Pressure induced cross-coupling between intersecting wave-guides is enhanced by including mechanical structures at each intersection that enhance local waveguide bending. For example, such structures can be rigid rings around the wave-guide intersections.

Non-Contact Method for Measurement of Strain Profile at a Location Interposed within a Soft Deformable Object with Dynamic Evolution of the Strain Under Dynamic Loading or Fracture of the Object

A non-invasive method for estimation of strain profile and dynamic evolution of the strain at a location interposed inside a block of soft material, includes forming a tracer grid consisting of microscopic lines or regularly spaced microscopic dots on a single plane buried inside the soft block; preparation of a deformable object embedded with the tracer grid in three primary steps: i. preparing a block of crosslinked material by crosslinking a first predetermined quantity of a pre-polymer solution containing a monomer, a crosslinking agent, and an initiator and promoter all mixed in a solvent at a known stoichiometric weight ratio; ii. transferring a grid comprising of lines or dots onto the face by direct writing or transferring from an easy release surface; and iii. crosslinking a second predetermined quantity of the same pre-polymer solution on the gel surface, such that this second crosslinked material gets welded to the first one. 1. A non-invasive method for estimation oX_slrain_pTJDfil.e_and_dynami& evolution of the strain at a location interposed inside a block of soft material , comprising:forming a tracer grid consisting of microscopic lines or regularly spaced microscopic dots on a single plane buried inside the soft block;preparation of a deformable object embedded with the tracer grid in three primary steps:i. preparing a block of crosslinked material by crosslinking a first . predetermined quantity of a pre-polymer solution containing a monomer, a crosslinking agent, and an initiator and promoter all mixed in a solvent at a known stoichiometric weight ratio, the crosslinking reaction being carried out inside a mold at room temperature or at an elevated temperature, such that a block of the crosslinked material having one of a flat face and a desired curvature;ii. transferring a grid comprising of lines or dots onto the face by direct writing or transferring from an easy release surface; andiii. crosslinking a second predetermined quantity of the same ...

Structural color changeable material and strain detection apparatus

A structural color changeable material includes a strain body and surface plasmon generating particles. In the strain body, a strain is produced by an external pressure or an internal change. The surface plasmon generating particles generate surface plasmon and are contained in the strain body. The surface plasmon is generated by an incident light with a wavelength of 2400 nm or less. A mean particle size of the surface plasmon generating particles is equal to or less than the wavelength of the incident light. The surface plasmon generating particles are periodically arranged parallel to an in-plane direction of a reflection surface of the incident light.

A RESISTIVE MICROFLUIDIC PRESSURE SENSOR

A resistive microfluidic pressure sensor is provided which comprises a first layer comprising a microfluidic channel with a carbon-based conductive liquid and a second layer comprising at least two electrodes, the at least two electrodes being adapted to measure resistance of the carbon-based conductive liquid upon deformation of the microfluidic channel as a result of a change in force applied on a surface of the sensor. 1. A resistive microfluidic pressure sensor comprising:a first layer comprising a microfluidic channel, the microfluidic channel comprising a carbon-based conductive liquid; anda second layer comprising at least two electrodes, the at least two electrodes being adapted to measure resistance of the carbon-based conductive liquid upon deformation of the microfluidic channel as a result of a change in force applied on a surface of the sensor.2. The sensor according to claim 1 , wherein carbon-based conductive liquid comprises: graphene claim 1 , graphene oxide claim 1 , reduced graphene oxide claim 1 , graphite claim 1 , fullerene claim 1 , carbon nanotubes claim 1 , carbon black claim 1 , functionalised carbon-based nanomaterials claim 1 , or a combination thereof.3. The sensor according to or claim 1 , wherein the carbon-based conductive liquid is graphene oxide is ≧3.0 mg/mL.4. The sensor according to any preceding claim claim 1 , wherein the sensor is flexible.5. The sensor according to any preceding claim claim 1 , wherein the first layer and the second layer are of the same or different material claim 1 , and are formed from an elastomeric material.6. The sensor according to any preceding claim claim 1 , wherein the first layer and the second layer are of the same or different material claim 1 , wherein the material comprises silicone rubber claim 1 , latex rubber claim 1 , nitrile rubber claim 1 , polyurethane (PU) claim 1 , polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) claim 1 , ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) claim 1 , polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) claim 1 , ...

Mechanochemical Regulation of a Photochemical Reaction

A mechanochemically-gated photoswitching molecular systems is described, along with the methods for the synthesis and use thereof. This molecular system comprises a thermally stable diarylethene-dienophile Diels-Alder adduct mechanophore embedded into a polymer chain or network, wherein the mechanophore undergoes the retro [4+2] cycloaddition reaction under mechanical force to reveal a diarylethene photoswitch. 1. A mechanically-gated photoswitch comprising 'the diarylethene comprises at least a cyclic diene moiety and two aryl moieties, each attached to each end of one of two carbon-carbon double bonds of the cyclic diene moiety; wherein', 'a mechanophore comprising a Diels-Alder adduct of a diarylethene and a dienophile, wherein the mechanophore is characterized by an ability to undergo a retro [4+2] cycloaddition reaction upon application of a mechanical force to re-produce the diarylethene and the dienophile; and wherein'}the mechanophore is embedded into a polymer, such that at least one chain of the polymer is covalently attached to a part of the Diels-Alder adduct corresponding to the diarylethene, and at least one additional chain of the polymer is covalently attached to a part of the Diels-Alder adduct corresponding to the dienophile; and whereinthe diarylethene is characterized by an ability to accomplish a switch between a ring opened and a ring closed state upon irradiation with light.2. The mechanically-gated photoswitch of claim 1 , wherein the switch between the ring opened and the ring closed state is accompanied by a change in spectral properties.3. The mechanically-gated photoswitch of claim 1 , wherein the cyclic diene moiety comprises at least one X claim 1 , wherein each of the at least one X is a substituted or unsubstituted chemical element independently selected from the group comprising of: CR claim 1 , O claim 1 , S claim 1 , NR; and wherein R is a functionality further independently selected from the group comprising of: H claim 1 , ...

TACTILE AND PROXIMITY SENSOR, AND SENSOR ARRAY

A tactile and proximity sensor includes a light source, a light receiving section, and a cover. The light source emits light. The light receiving section receives light and generates a signal providing a result of the received light. The cover includes an elastic body that deforms under external force and that covers the light source and the light receiving section. The cover includes a reflective section that reflects light between the light source and the light receiving section and a transmission section that allows light to pass through in a first direction from the light source and that allows light to pass through in a second direction from the light receiving section. 1. A tactile and proximity sensor that senses contact force and proximity of a physical object in accordance with a result of received light , the tactile and proximity sensor comprising:a light source that emits light;a light receiving section that receives light and that generates a signal providing a result of the received light; anda cover including an elastic body that deforms under external force and that covers the light source and the light receiving section; wherein a reflective section that reflects light between the light source and the light receiving section; and', 'a transmission section that allows light to pass through in a first direction from the light source and that allows light to pass through in a second direction from the light receiving section., 'the cover includes2. The tactile and proximity sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission section includes a first transmission region through which light passes to exit from the light source to an outside in the first direction claim 1 , and a second transmission region through which light passes to enter the light receiving section from the outside in the second direction.3. The tactile and proximity sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the light receiving section includes a first light receiving region that ...

Unibody Flexure Design for Displacement-Based Force/Torque Sensing

An example device includes an inner element, an outer surrounding element, and a plurality of connecting flexural elements coupled between the inner element and the outer surrounding element. The inner element has a plurality of reflective surface areas that are configured to reflect light to a sensor. The outer surrounding element surrounds the inner element. The plurality of connecting flexural elements allow the inner element to move relative to the outer surrounding element.

NANOCOMPOSITE OPTICAL STRAIN GAUGE

The pressure-detecting system utilizes a nanocomposite sensor with quantum dots embedded in a matrix. Under pressure, both the quantum dots and the matrix fluoresce when illuminated by a laser. A spectroscope detects the intensity of each fluorescence and sends the information to a data processor. The data processor calculates a ratio using the intensities. Comparing this ratio to ratios stored in a data object in a database provides a value for the pressure detected by the sensor. The data object contains multiple ratios, each correlated to a specific pressure during a calibration process for the sensor. This calibration process subjected the sensor to known pressures, with the resultant ratios calculated and stored in the data object, correlated to the appropriate pressures. 1. A pressure sensing system , comprising:a laser light source, wherein said laser light source transmits light in the visible spectrum;at least one nanocomposite pressure sensor, wherein said at least one nanocomposite pressure sensor comprises a plurality of quantum dots embedded in a sensor matrix;a spectrometer operatively coupled to a data processor;{'sub': 'F', 'a database operatively coupled to said data processor, said database comprising at least one data object, wherein said data object comprises an array to store a plurality of pressure values P and a plurality of fluorescence intensity ratio R.'}2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said laser light source has a maximum intensity variation of approximately 1.5%.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein said laser light source is a solid-state laser having a power of 5 mW.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein said at least one pressure sensor is a solid shape.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein said at least one pressure sensor is a coating on an object.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of quantum dots are core-shell semiconducting nanocrystals.7. The system of claim 6 , wherein said plurality of quantum dots are CdSe/ZnS core- ...

Surface force apparatus based on a spherical lens

A force detector and method for using the same includes a movable lens having a spherical surface; a cantilever below the movable lens; a laser above the movable lens configured to emit a beam of light through the movable lens, such that light reflects from the spherical surface and the cantilever; a camera configured to capture images of interference rings produced by the light reflected from the spherical surface and the light reflected from the cantilever; and a processor configured to determine a force between the movable lens and the cantilever based on a change in phase of the interference rings.

SURFACE FORCE APPARATUS BASED ON A SPHERICAL LENS

A force detector and method for using the same include a lens and a cantilever below the lens. A laser above the lens is configured to emit a beam of light that reflects from a surface of the lens and the cantilever. A processor is configured to determine a force between the lens and the cantilever based on interference between the light reflected from the surface and the light reflected from the cantilever. 1. A force detector , comprising:a lens;a cantilever disposed below the lens;a laser disposed above the lens, configured to emit a beam of light that reflects from a surface of the lens and the cantilever; anda processor configured to determine a force between the lens and the cantilever based on interference between the light reflected from the surface and the light reflected from the cantilever.2. The force detector of claim 1 , wherein the lens is formed from a lens base material and has a coating on the surface of the lens formed from a first material to be tested.3. The force detector of claim 1 , wherein the cantilever comprises a cantilever base material and has a coating formed from a second material to be tested.4. The force detector of claim 1 , further comprising a motor configured to move the lens and to track changes in lens position.5. The force detector of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to determine a deflection of the cantilever based on a change in lens position and a change in a distance between the lens and the cantilever.7. The force detector of claim 1 , wherein the lens has a spherical surface with a radius of at least 1 cm and a surface roughness of 2 nm or less.8. The force detector of claim 1 , wherein the cantilever has a thickness of at least 10 μm.9. The force detector of claim 1 , wherein the lens is in contact with the cantilever and progressively moved away from the cantilever's resting position claim 1 , such that a force of adhesion causes a deflection in the cantilever and wherein the processor is further ...

MULTI-DEGREE OF FREEDOM SENSOR

A capacitive sensor for characterizing force or torque includes a first plurality of non-patterned conductive regions and a first plurality of patterned conductive regions, and a second plurality of non-patterned conductive regions and a second plurality of patterned conductive regions. The first and second pluralities of non-patterned conductive regions are facing and the first and second pluralities of patterned conductive regions are facing. 1. A capacitive sensor for characterizing at least one of force and torque , comprising:a first plurality of non-patterned conductive regions and a first plurality of patterned conductive regions; anda second plurality of non-patterned conductive regions and a second plurality of patterned conductive regions;wherein the first and second pluralities of non-patterned conductive regions are facing and the first and second pluralities of patterned conductive regions are facing.2. The capacitive sensor of claim 1 , further comprising a first surface claim 1 , wherein the first plurality of non-patterned conductive regions and the first plurality of patterned conductive regions are disposed on the first surface.3. The capacitive sensor of claim 2 , further comprising a second surface claim 2 , wherein the second plurality of non-patterned conductive regions and the second plurality of patterned conductive regions are disposed on the second surface.4. The capacitive sensor of claim 3 , wherein the capacitive sensor measures at least one of relative lateral translation and relative rotation between the first and second surfaces based at least partially on area of overlap between the first and second pluralities of patterned conductive regions.5. The capacitive sensor of claim 3 , wherein the capacitive sensor measures relative axial displacement between the first and second surfaces based at least partially on gap distance between at least one of the first plurality of non-patterned conductive regions and at least one of the second ...

TRAVERSING TIME OF ARRIVAL PROBE

A system and method for performing stress measurement on rotating parts is disclosed. The system may include a laser assembly configured to emit a laser beam, and a probe assembly mounted proximal to a rotatable part in a device. The probe assembly may be configured to output a reflected laser beam onto a first target on the rotatable part. The probe assembly may further be configured to move the reflected laser beam from the first target to a second target on the rotatable part. The probe assembly may include a redirector moveable from a first position to a second position, and a lens mounted proximal to the redirector and configured to focus the laser beam. The redirector may be configured to change the laser beam direction from a first direction to a second direction when moved from the first position to the second position. 1. A traversing time of arrival probe system for stress measurement of rotatable parts , the system comprising:a laser assembly configured to emit a laser beam; and a redirector moveable from a first position to a second position, the redirector configured to change the laser beam direction from a first direction to a second direction when moved from the first position to the second position; and', 'a lens mounted proximal to the redirector and configured to focus the laser beam., 'a probe assembly disposed proximal to a rotatable part in an engine, the probe assembly configured to output a reflected laser beam onto a first target on the rotatable part, the probe assembly further configured to move the reflected laser beam from the first target to a second target on the rotatable part, the probe assembly including2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:a detector configured to receive and to measure reflected incident light from the rotatable part, wherein reflection of the reflected laser beam off of the rotatable part is a primary source of the reflected incident light.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the rotatable part is a blade.4 ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LOAD ESTIMATION AND GRAVITY COMPENSATION ON A ROBOTIC ARM

A method for load estimation and gravity compensation on a robotic arm including a joint is provided, and includes: receiving a first torque signal and a first joint angle when the arm is at a first position and subjected to a current load; generating a first torque value, correction parameters, and no-load and maximum-load torque values; changing the load applied to the arm to an unknown load; receiving a second torque signal and generating a second torque value; estimating an estimated load value of the unknown load; moving the arm to a second position; receiving a second joint angle; and generating a compensating torque value and outputting the compensating torque value to a driver module of the arm. 1. A method for load estimation and gravity compensation on a robotic arm , the method to be implemented by a load estimation and gravity compensation system , the robotic arm including at least one joint and a driver module that is installed on the at least one joint , the load estimation and gravity compensation system including a signal processor that is coupled to the driver module , a load estimation module that corresponds with the at least one joint and that is coupled to the signal processor , and a gravity compensation module that is coupled to the load estimation module , the load estimation module including a gravity module correction unit , a virtual robotic arm unit and a computing component , the method comprising steps of:operating the driver module in a manipulating mode to move the robotic arm to a first position, and switching the driver module to a location control mode, the robotic arm being subjected to a current load at the first position;receiving a first torque signal and a first joint angle outputted by the driver module in the location control mode, the first torque signal being associated with the current load, the first joint angle being associated with the joint at the first position;upon receipt of the first torque signal, converting, by ...

Methods and apparatuses for quantitative sensing using rayleigh scattering in optical fiber

Methods and apparatuses for quantitatively measuring strain in an optical fiber. An optical source comprising an optical beam generator and a pulse generator receives instructions from a controller and generates a pulsed optical beam in response to those instructions. The pulsed optical beam is directed into an optical fiber to generate a reflected beam from scattering centers within the optical fiber. A detector records a plurality of frames of data generated by the reflected beam, and the controller tracks an evolution of a speckle pattern carried by the reflected beam from the plurality of frames and calculates a strain induced in a section of the optical fiber from the evolution of the speckle pattern.

FORCE DETECTING DEVICE, DRIVING UNIT, AND ROBOT

A force detecting device includes a first member configuring a part of a driving device that performs at least one of generation and transmission of a driving force, a second member, and a piezoelectric element disposed between the first member and the second member and configured to output a signal according to an external force. 1. A force detecting device comprising:a first member configuring a part of a driving device that performs at least one of generation and transmission of a driving force;a second member; anda piezoelectric element disposed between the first member and the second member and configured to output a signal according to an external force.2. The force detecting device according to claim 1 , wherein the piezoelectric element includes quartz.3. The force detecting device according to claim 1 , wherein the force detecting device includes a plurality of the piezoelectric elements stacked in a direction in which the first member and the second member are arranged.4. The force detecting device according to claim 1 , wherein the driving device includes at least one of a motor claim 1 , a reduction gear claim 1 , and an encoder.5. The force detecting device according to claim 4 , wherein the first member configures a part of the reduction gear.6. The force detecting device according to claim 4 , wherein the first member configures a part of the encoder.7. The force detecting device according to claim 1 , further comprising a fixing member that fixes the first member and the second member to each other in a state in which the piezoelectric element sandwiched and pressurized by the first member and the second member.8. The force detecting device according to claim 1 , wherein the force detecting device includes a plurality of the piezoelectric elements disposed between the first member and the second member and configured to output a signal according to an external force.9. A driving unit comprising:{'claim-ref': {'@idref': 'CLM-00001', 'claim 1'}, 'the ...

ROBOT SYSTEM

A robot system includes: a robot that is movable according to an external force applied thereto by a worker; a force detecting unit that is provided in the robot and that detects the magnitude of an external force acting on the robot; a warning part that vibrates the robot when an external force having a magnitude equal to or greater than a first predetermined threshold is detected by the force detecting unit; and a stop part that stops the robot when an external force having a magnitude equal to or greater than a second predetermined threshold that is greater than the first predetermined threshold is detected by the force detecting unit. 1. A robot system comprising:a robot that is movable according to an external force applied thereto by a worker;a force detecting unit that is provided in the robot and that detects the magnitude of an external force acting on the robot;a warning part that vibrates the robot when an external force having a magnitude equal to or greater than a first predetermined threshold is detected by the force detecting unit; anda stop part that stops the robot when an external force having a magnitude equal to or greater than a second predetermined threshold that is greater than the first predetermined threshold is detected by the force detecting unit.2. The robot system according to claim 1 ,wherein the force detecting unit detects the direction of the external force; andthe warning part makes the vibration different depending on the direction of the external force.3. The robot system according to claim 1 , wherein the warning part changes the vibration according to the magnitude of the external force.4. A robot system comprising:a robot that is movable according to an external force applied thereto by a worker;a force detecting unit that is provided in the robot and that detects the magnitude and the direction of an external force acting on the robot;a warning part that issues a warning when an external force having a magnitude equal to or ...

MEASURING DEFLECTION TO DETERMINE A CHARACTERISTIC OF A CANTILEVER

Disclosed are methods that, by not physically touching a material being measured, can measure the material's differential response quite accurately. A collimated light shines on the material under test, is reflected off it, and is then captured by a device that records the position where the reflected light is captured. This process is done both before and after the material is processed in some way (e.g., by applying a coat of paint). The change in position where the reflected light is captured is used in calculating the deflection of the material as induced by the process. This measured induced deflection is then used to accurately determinate the stress introduced into the material by the process. Other characteristics of the material under test, such as aspects of the material composition of a bi-metallic strip, for example, may also be determined from a deflection measurement. 1. A method for determining a stress induced by a first process , the method comprising:directing collimated first light toward a first original target;determining an angle between the first directed light and a normal to the first original target;first receiving some of the first directed light as reflected from the first original target;determining a first position where the first reflected light is received;subjecting the first original target to the first process;directing collimated second light toward the first processed target;second receiving some of the second directed light as reflected from the first processed target;determining a second position where the second reflected light is received;based, at least in part on the determined angle and on the first and second determined reception positions, calculating a deflection induced into the first processed target; andbased, at least in part, on the calculated induced deflection, calculating a stress induced by the first process into the first processed target.2. The method for determining a stress induced by a first process of ...

APPARATUS FOR QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENTS OF STRESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM MECHANOLUMINESCENCE MATERIALS

An apparatus for measuring mechanoluminescent light includes a chamber defining an enclosure for a portion of a structure to be monitored and providing an opening fitted onto the structure. The structure has a mechanoluminescent material thereon. The apparatus further includes an imaging sensor positioned and configured to take images of the mechanoluminescent material and an electronic controller in wired or wireless communication with the imaging sensor, the electronic controller being capable of controlling the properties of the imaging sensor and processing the images of the mechanoluminescent material. 1. An apparatus for measuring mechanoluminescent light comprisinga chamber defining an enclosure for a portion of a structure to be monitored and providing an opening fitted onto the structure, the structure having a mechanoluminescent material thereon,an imaging sensor positioned and configured to take images of the mechanoluminescent material, andan electronic controller in wired or wireless communication with the imaging sensor, the electronic controller being capable of controlling the properties of the imaging sensor and processing the images of the mechanoluminescent material.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , the chamber having a side positioned opposite of the structure claim 1 , wherein the side positioned opposite of the structure includes the imaging sensor positioned therein.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the imaging sensor is positioned entirely inside the enclosure of chamber.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the image processing reveals stress distribution or crack visualization of the structure.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a thermocouple for monitoring temperature in order to compensate the processing of the images of the mechanoluminescent material.6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the chamber is constructed from black fiber cotton and steel wire frames.7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the chamber is constructed ...

Pressure and shear force measurement device and method

A pressure and shear force measurement device and a pressure and shear force measurement method are disclosed. The measurement device includes a flexible substrate; a plurality of signal outputting units embedded in the flexible substrate for outputting signals; and a plurality of signal detectors disposed at a peripheral of the flexible substrate for receiving at least a signal outputted from the signal outputting units, wherein when the flexible substrate has a load applied thereon and each of the signal outputting units has a displacement, each of the signal detectors detects a pressure and a shear force resulting from the load on the flexible substrate based on the signal received from the signal outputting units.

MULTI POINT, HIGH SENSITIVE TACTILE SENSING MODULE FOR ROBOTS AND DEVICES

The features of the system are: fiber optic cables (instead of human sensory receptor) and low cost CMOS or CCD image sensor (which can be found in a conventional webcam, camcorder, digital camera etc.) are used by pairing each pixel of the image sensor with corresponding fiber optic cable, which is assured to transfer all light beams to the processor on a single photo frame where the coordinates and the level of displacements are detected precisely by the aid of image processing techniques, in order to provide tactile sensing. The system can work with a computer or it can work individually with an electronically circuit that contains an independent processor. 16.-. (canceled)7. A multi-point , high sensitive tactile sensing module for robots and devices , comprising: an elastic material , which is covered with a layer providing light reflection , wherein said layer simulates human skin; a CMOS or CCD image sensor; at least one light source; a plurality of fiber optic cables , ends of which are separated from a surrounding environment via said layer by being located under the layer and other ends of which are in connection with said light source , wherein said fiber optic cables carry light beams from the light source to said layer; another plurality of fiber optic cables , ends of which are separated from a surrounding environment via said layer by being located and being directed towards the layer and other ends of which are in connection with said image sensor so that each fiber optic cable is paired with one pixel of the image sensor , wherein light beams reflected from the layer are transferred to the image sensor by said fiber optic cables; a processor which calculates every individual force applied to the layer according to light intensity changes of each pixel connected with a fiber cable , of a photo frame generated by the image sensor in response to the displacement of the layer by using image processing techniques.8. A multi-point claim 7 , high sensitive ...

Method And Device For Controlling A Manipulator

A method for controlling a manipulator includes determining by a control device one or more contact force values between the manipulator and a first workpiece. Each of the contact force values is based on an actual driving force of the manipulator and a drive force according to a dynamic model of the manipulator. The method also includes at least one of a) measuring in multiple stages an orientation and location of the first workpiece based on at least one of the one or more determined contact force values or b) joining a second workpiece and the first workpiece under a compliant regulation, where a joining state of the first and second workpieces is monitored based on at least one of an end pose of the manipulator obtained under the compliant regulation, a speed of a temporal change of the manipulator, or at least one of the one or more determined contact force values. 1. A method for controlling a manipulator , the method comprising:determining by a control device one or more contact force values between the manipulator and a first workpiece by comparing an actual driving force of the manipulator to a drive force according to a dynamic model of the manipulator; and a) measuring in multiple stages an orientation and location of the first workpiece based on at least one of the one or more determined contact force values, or', an end pose of the manipulator obtained under the compliant regulation,', 'a speed or higher time derivative of the motion of the manipulator, or', 'at least one of the one or more determined contact force values., 'b) joining a second workpiece and the first workpiece under a compliant regulation, wherein a joining state of the first and second workpieces is monitored based on at least one of], 'at least one of2. A method for controlling a manipulator to join a first workpiece with a second workpiece , the method comprising:holding the second workpiece by the manipulator in at least two force-contacts;placing the second workpiece in a joining ...

PRESSURE-SENSITIVE SHEET

The present invention relates to a pressure-sensitive sheet having a function which can permanently conserve an indication showing different concentrations according to the intensity of an external pressure applied to pressure-sensitive paper. The pressure-sensitive sheet proposed by the present invention comprises a set of: a pressure-sensitive paper () having a surface to which ink () is applied; and a transparent film () which is disposed on the pressure-sensitive paper () and has a rear surface to which an adhesive agent () is applied. 1. A pressure-sensitive sheet comprising a set of:{'b': 10', '11, 'a pressure-sensitive paper () having a surface to which ink () is applied;'}{'b': 20', '10', '21, 'a transparent film () that is disposed on top of the pressure-sensitive paper () and has a rear surface to which an adhesive () is applied,'}{'b': 10', '20', '11', '10', '21', '20', '20, 'wherein the pressure-sensitive paper () and the transparent film () are overlapped to lie one on top of the other, so as to express the ink () of the pressure-sensitive paper () on the adhesive () of the transparent film () by applying pressure to a top surface of the transparent film ().'}222232120211121. The pressure-sensitive sheet according to claim 1 , wherein a release film () or release paper () is adhered to a rear surface of the adhesive () of the transparent film () claim 1 , so as to protect the adhesive () and the ink () expressed on the adhesive ().33010112011. The pressure-sensitive sheet according to claim 1 , wherein a conservative paper () separately provided the pressure-sensitive paper () claim 1 , can conserve the expressed ink () by attaching the transparent film () having the ink () expressed.4111011111211310. The pressure-sensitive sheet according to claim 1 , wherein the ink () spread over a surface of the pressure-sensitive paper () is formed to have layers with different colors separately to form individual layers () claim 1 , () and () and displays ...

AUTOMATED WORK PIECE MOMENT OF INERTIA (MOI) IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SAME

A method and system for identifying a moment of inertia (MOI) of a work piece includes coupling the work piece to a manipulator assembly such as a 6-axis robotic arm or 3-axis gimbal. The manipulator assembly includes a force/torque sensor and a motion feedback sensor. The manipulator assembly moves the work piece with three-dimensional motion. Force, torque and movement measurements are made as the work piece moves. The MOI is identified according to the force and torque measurements and rotational accelerations derived from the measured movement. The measurements may be used to identify the products of inertia (POI) and center of mass of the work piece. 1. A method for automatically identifying a moment of inertia (MOI) of a work piece comprising:coupling a work piece to a manipulator assembly, the manipulator assembly includes a force/torque sensor configured to measure force and torque transmitted from the work piece to the manipulator assembly and a motion feedback sensor configured to measure motion of the work piece;moving the work piece in a three-axis coordinate system with the manipulator assembly, said motion including at least rotation about each of the three axes;measuring with the force/torque sensor at least a first force and at least a first torque for each of the three axes as the work piece is moving;measuring with the motion sensor the movement of the work piece including at least a first rotation about each of the three axes; andidentifying the MOI in each of the three axes according to at least the measured first force and first torque and first rotation for each of the three axes.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the manipulator assembly includes a robotic arm capable of 6-axis motion including three-axis translation and three-axis rotation.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein coupling the work piece to the manipulator assembly includes the robotic arm autonomously picking up the work piece.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein moving the work ...

Arm With A Combined Shape And Force Sensor

A bend sensor is used to determine force applied to a robotic arm. The force may be an external force applied to the arm, an internal actuation force, or both. In some aspects, a stiffening element is used to restore the arm to a minimum kinematic energy state. In other aspects, the stiffening element is eliminated, and the arm is fully actuated. 1. An apparatus comprising:an arm, wherein the arm comprises a bendable portion and a stiffening element, and wherein the stiffening element tends to restore the bendable portion of the arm to a kinematic minimum energy state;a sensor apparatus that generates bend information about at least one bend in the bendable portion; andan electronic data processor, wherein the electronic data processor determines (i) external force information about at least one of a magnitude or a direction of an external force applied to the arm, or (ii) internal force information about a bending force applied to the arm by an actuation mechanism, or (iii) both the external and internal force information from (a) the generated bend information, (b) information about the stiffness of the stiffening element, and (c) information representing at least one mechanical property of the bendable portion, and wherein the electronic data processor outputs the determined force information.2. The apparatus of :wherein the bendable portion of the arm is continuously flexible.3. The apparatus of :wherein the bendable portion of the arm comprises a plurality of discrete links coupled in series to approximate a continuously flexible structure.4. The apparatus of :wherein the apparatus further comprises the actuation mechanism that acts to bend the bendable portion of the arm.5. The apparatus of :wherein the sensor apparatus comprises an optical fiber.6. The apparatus of :wherein the arm is at least a portion of a surgical instrument shaft.7. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:a master control device coupled to the electronic data processor;wherein the ...

LOAD CELL

In one aspect, a load cell includes an elastic body, first optical unit, second optical unit, detector, and computation unit. The first optical unit has a light source, a first diffraction grating on which light from the light source is incident, and a light-receiving unit. The first optical unit is fixed to a first end portion of the elastic body and arranged within a hollow portion of the elastic body. The second optical unit has a second diffraction grating on which diffracted light from the first diffraction grating is incident to generate interference light. The second optical unit is fixed to a second end portion of the elastic body and arranged within the hollow portion. The detector detects the interference light. The computation unit computes a relative displacement amount of the second diffraction grating relative to the first diffraction grating on the basis of a signal obtained by the detector. 1. A load cell , comprising:an elastic body having a first end portion, a second end portion opposite to said first end portion in one axial direction, and a bridge portion bridging the first and second end portions and defining a hollow space between said first and second end portions;a first optical unit having a light source and a first diffraction grating on which light from said light source is incident, said first optical unit being fixed to said first end portion and arranged in said hollow space;a second optical unit having a second diffraction grating on which diffracted light emitted from the first diffraction grating is incident to generate interference light, said second optical unit being fixed to said second end portion and arranged in said hollow space;a detector that detects said interference light; anda computation unit that computes a displacement amount of said second diffraction grating relative to said first diffraction grating on the basis of a signal obtained by said detector so as to detect a displacement amount of the second end potion ...

Systems And Methods For Tactile Sensing

Achieving high spatial resolution in contact sensing for robotic manipulation often comes at the price of increased complexity in fabrication and integration. One traditional approach is to fabricate a large number of taxels, each delivering an individual, isolated response to a stimulus. The proposed sensors include a continuous volume of soft material, e.g., a transparent polymer, and light emitting diodes configured to emit light into the transparent volume that can be received by photodetectors. The location and depth of indentations can be measured between all pairs of light emitting diodes and photodetectors in the set, and this rich signal set can contain the information needed to pinpoint contact location with high accuracy using regression algorithms. 1. A sensor comprising:a volume of transparent material;one or more light emitting diodes configured to emit light into the transparent material; andone or more photodetectors configured to receive emitted light from the one or more light emitting diodes;wherein the sensor is configured to detect a change in the received light at the one or more photodetectors in response to an indentation at a surface of the volume of transparent material.2. The sensor of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is further configured to estimate a location of the indentation at the surface of the volume of transparent material based on the change in the received light at the one or more photodetectors.3. The sensor of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is further configured to estimate a depth of the indentation at the surface of the volume of transparent material based on the change in the received light at the one or more photodetectors.4. The sensor of claim 1 , wherein the volume of transparent material comprises polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).5. The sensor of claim 1 , further comprising a frame defining a sensing area filled with the volume of transparent material claim 1 , and wherein the one or more light emitting diodes and the one or ...

METHODS OF DESIGNING AND MANUFACTURING OPTIMIZED OPTICAL WAVEGUIDES

Methods of optimizing additive manufactured three dimensional structures that are designed to output a desired set of optical properties, particularly for use in tactile-based sensing applications. The optical properties within an object are highly-customizable and can be altered on a voxel-by-voxel level, such that the resulting optical properties can be used in applications in which discreet points within the object are interactable in different ways, thereby providing for different sensations depending on the selected discreet point. Moreover, the selected optical properties can differ between adjacent voxels, allowing for precise customization of the object depending on the requirements of the manufactured object. As a result, the resulting three dimensional structures include a precise, desired set of optical properties, providing for intricate interactions by a user in tactile applications. 1. An additive manufactured optical waveguide assembly including an optical waveguide disposed within a tactile additive manufactured object , the additive manufactured optical waveguide assembly comprising:an optical waveguide made of a transparent material having a first refractive index, the optical waveguide having a first end opposite a second end, such that the optical waveguide is configured to direct light from the first end to the second end;a sheath surrounding the optical waveguide, the sheath having a second refractive index that differs from the first refractive index, such that the optical waveguide is configured to experience total internal reflection of the light, and such that the optical waveguide is configured to prevent the light from escaping into the sheath;a support medium secured to the sheath, the support medium configured to maintain a structure of the sheath during an additive manufacturing process; andan additive manufactured object having a predetermined shape and size, the additive manufactured object surrounding the sheath, such that the ...

DETECTION OF MISALIGNMENT OF ROBOTIC ARMS

Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for detection of undesirable forces on one or more surgical robotic arms. In one aspect, there is provided a system including a robotic arm, including: two linkages, a joint, a torque sensor, and an instrument device manipulator (IDM). The system may further include a processor configured to measure a first torque value at the joint based on an output of the torque sensor and determine a second torque value at the joint based on a position of the robotic arm. The second torque value may be indicative of a gravitational component of the torque between the two linkages. The processor may be further configured to determine a force at the IDM based a difference between the first and second torque values and determine whether the robotic arm has collided with an object or misaligned based on the force at the IDM. 1. A system for detecting misalignment of robotic arms , comprising:a first robotic arm comprising a first instrument device manipulator (IDM) connected to a distal end of the first robotic arm;a second robotic arm comprising a second IDM connected to a distal end of the second robotic arm;a first medical instrument comprising a working channel; anda second medical instrument, the first robotic arm configured to drive the first medical instrument along a first axis, and the second robotic arm configured to drive the second medical instrument through the working channel of the first medical instrument;a processor; and determine a first force at the first IDM,', 'determine a second force at the second IDM,', 'determine that both of the first and second forces are greater than a threshold force, and', 'determine that the first and second robotic arms are misaligned in response to the processor determining that both of the first and second forces are greater than the threshold force., 'a memory storing computer-executable instructions to cause the processor to2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the memory further ...

Method for measuring the displacement profile of buildings and sensor therefor

Exemplary embodiments provide for a method for continuous measurement of displacements profile of building structures and a sensor for implementation of this method for repeated, automatic displacements profile measurements of the medium by means of optical fiber elements. This is of particular relevance in engineering structures, engineering structure elements, geotechnical structures. The apparatus is characterized in that the measurement involves a measuring sensor, which is constructed of a core with coupled optical fiber sensing elements for determining the core strains and an optical fiber sensing element for determining temperature, placed freely in an axial channel of the core, making possible to perform measurements in such a way, which that allows for compensation of the influence of sensor temperature.

STRAIN MEASUREMENT SENSOR CAPABLE OF INDICATING STRAIN WITH COLOR EMISSION AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

A strain sensor with color emission indicating a strain is disclosed. The strain sensor can include a piezoresistive layer having a first portion of a polymer matrix body and conductive fillers dispersed in the first portion of the polymer matrix body, a mechano-luminescent layer having a second portion, which is disposed on the first portion, of the polymer matrix body, green emissive particles, and red emissive particles, the green and red emissive particles being dispersed in the second portion of the polymer matrix body, and a first and second electrodes spaced apart from each other and directly connected to the piezoresistive layer. 1. A strain sensor with color emission indicating a strain , the strain sensor comprising:a piezoresistive layer comprising a first portion of a polymer matrix body and conductive fillers dispersed in the first portion of the polymer matrix body, the piezoresistive layer being configured to have varying electrical resistance according to a displacement of the polymer matrix body due to external force or pressure applied thereto;a mechano-luminescent layer comprising a second portion, which is disposed directly on the first portion, of the polymer matrix body, green emissive particles, and red emissive particles, the green and red emissive particles being dispersed in the second portion of the polymer matrix body; andfirst and second electrodes spaced apart from each other and directly connected to the piezoresistive layer, the first and second electrodes being configured to measure changes of electrical resistance of the piezoresistive layer according to the displacement of the polymer matrix body,wherein each of the green emissive particles emits green emission due to the displacement of the polymer matrix, each of the red emissive particles comprises an inorganic core and a fluorescent layer coated on the surface of the inorganic core, and the fluorescent layer absorbs the green emission from the green emissive particles and emits ...

DISPLACEMENT SENSOR UTILIZING RONCHI GRATING INTERFERENCE

A load cell to measure displacements transferred by a fifth wheel to the load cell includes an elongated mounting base portion configured to attach to a support structure of a tractor, a coupling portion configured to pivotally support a fifth wheel, a middle portion disposed above the elongated mounting base portion and below the coupling portion, the middle portion including a hollow interior section with an opening into the hollow interior section, and a post extending from the elongated mounting base portion and protruding into the hollow interior section of the middle portion. 1. A load cell to measure displacements transferred by a fifth wheel to the load cell , comprising:an elongated mounting base portion configured to attach to a support structure of a tractor;a coupling portion configured to pivotally support a fifth wheel;a middle portion disposed above the elongated mounting base portion and below the coupling portion, the middle portion including a hollow interior section with an opening into the hollow interior section; anda post extending from the elongated mounting base portion and protruding into the hollow interior section of the middle portion.2. The load cell of claim 1 , wherein the coupling portion includes an aperture with a centerline claim 1 , and wherein the post is disposed between the centerline and the elongated mounting base portion.3. The load cell of claim 2 , wherein the hollow interior section is disposed between the centerline and the elongated mounting base portion.4. The load cell of claim 3 , wherein the post has a vertical centerline claim 3 , and wherein the vertical centerline and the centerline of the aperture of the coupling portion intersect at an orthogonal angle.5. The load cell of claim 4 , further comprising:a first optical array sensor attached to the post within the hollow interior section.6. The load cell of claim 5 , further comprising:a first immobile grating film applied over the first optical array sensor.7. The ...

FORCE SENSOR

A force sensor according to the present invention is configured to detect at least one component among components of a force in each axis direction in an XYZ three-dimensional coordinate system and a moment around each axis, and includes: a support body arranged on an XY plane; a deformation body joined to the support body; and a detection circuit that outputs an electric signal indicating a force applied on the deformation body. The deformation body includes a first deformation portion having a first spring constant and a second deformation portion having a second spring constant different from the first spring constant, and the detection circuit outputs, in response to an applied force, a first electric signal corresponding to the deformation of the first deformation portion and a second electric signal corresponding to the deformation of the second deformation portion and determines whether the force sensor functions normally based on a change of a ratio between the first electric signal and the second electric signal, both corresponding to the applied force. 1. A force sensor that detects at least one component among components of a force in each axis direction in an XYZ three-dimensional coordinate system , and of a moment around each axis , the sensor comprising:a support body that is arranged on an XY plane;a deformation body that is joined to the support body; anda detection circuit that outputs an electric signal indicating a force applied on the deformation body,wherein the deformation body includes a first deformation portion having a first spring constant and a second deformation portion having a second spring constant different from the first spring constant, andthe detection circuit outputs, in response to an applied force, a first electric signal corresponding to the deformation of the first deformation portion and a second electric signal corresponding to the deformation of the second deformation portion and determines whether the force sensor ...

A PRACTICAL SENSING SYSTEM

A sensing system where the position and intensity of a force applied is detected in an easy and practical manner and an image and video of the surrounding environment is taken, and a three-dimensional scanning thereof is performed. The surface texture of the object touched and creep is detected; and a two-dimensional and three-dimensional image (hologram) may be generated and physical and/or chemical features are detected. 1. A sensing system (S) , characterized by comprising:{'b': '1', 'at least an elastic layer ();'}{'b': 5', '1', '1', '5, 'at least one image source () positioned under the said elastic layer () and adapted to generate at least one image (P) having a certain pattern and adapted to reflect the image generated onto the elastic layer (), wherein said image source () is in the form of an LCD or in the form of a panel, each pixel of which including a RGB LED;'}{'b': 7', '1', '1, 'at least one image sensor () positioned under the elastic layer (), and adapted to capture an image coming from the elastic layer () or surrounding environment;'}{'b': 5', '7', '1, 'at least one control unit adapted to control the image (P) generated by the said image source () and adapted to analyze the image captured by the image sensor () using image processing techniques so as to detect at least one data about the surrounding environment and/or to detect a force applied on the elastic layer ();'}{'b': 8', '5, 'at least a first data link () for data communication between the image source () and the control unit; and'}{'b': 9', '7, 'at least a second data link () for data communication between the image sensor () and the control unit.'}212357. A sensing system (S) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said elastic layer () comprises at least one upper surface () facing to the surrounding environment and at least one lower surface () facing to the image source () and the image sensor ().32. A sensing system (S) according to claim 2 , characterized in that the said upper ...

FORCE SENSING SLEW DRIVE

A sensor is used in measuring the torque applied to a slew drive. The slew drive includes a worm gear and a worm wheel and the sensor is coupled with a securing device that is used to secure the worm gear to the slew drive housing. The sensor generates a signal which is indicative of the torque on the worm wheel. The worm gear is secured to the slew drive housing by a first bearing and a second bearing. Two end plates and eight bolts are also used to further secure the worm gear and the bearings to the slew drive housing. By tightening the bolts, a compressive force is applied on the worm gear through the bearings. The applied torque on the worm wheel causes an axial force on the worm gear. The axial force is transmitted through the worm gear, the bearings, the end plates, and the bolts. One or more sensors can be embedded in one or more of the end plates or the bolts to measure the strain, in the end plates or the bolts, due to the axial force. A control device receives the signal from the sensor and stores, analyses, and/or communicates the signal. 1. A slew drive , comprising:(a) a slew drive housing;(b) a worm gear comprising a central threaded section;(c) a worm wheel comprising worm-wheel teeth, operative to engage the central threaded section of the worm gear;(d) a securing device, operative to secure the worm gear to the slew drive housing; and(e) a sensor coupled with the securing device;wherein the sensor is configured to sense a load on the securing device in response to a torque on the worm wheel and generate a signal indicative of the torque on the worm wheel.2. The slew drive of claim 1 , wherein the securing device is one of a distal plate claim 1 , a bolt claim 1 , a threaded plug claim 1 , and a retaining ring.3. The slew drive of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is one of an electrical strain gauge and an optical strain gauge.4. The slew drive of claim 1 , further comprising:(f) a control device coupled with the sensor;wherein the control device is ...

Sensor Assembly And Method For Measuring Forces And Torques

A sensor assembly comprises a base plate and a sensor member displaceable relative to the base plate. A spring arrangement operates in first and second stages in response to displacement of the sensor member relative to the base plate. Different resolutions of force and torque measurements are associated with the first and second stages. A light sensitive transducer senses displacement of the sensor member relative to the base plate and generates corresponding output signals. A collimator directs a plurality of light beams onto the light sensitive transducer so that the light beams strike different pixels of the light sensitive transducer to sense displacement of the sensor member relative to the base plate. 1. A sensor assembly comprising:a base plate;a sensor member displaceable relative to said base plate;a light sensitive transducer having a plurality of pixels; anda light source configured to provide light directed in a plurality of light beams onto said light sensitive transducer so that the light beams strike different pixels of said light sensitive transducer to sense displacement of said sensor member relative to said base plate.2. The sensor assembly of including a collimator having a plurality of openings for directing the plurality of light beams onto said light sensitive transducer wherein said collimator is movable relative to said light sensitive transducer.3. The sensor assembly of wherein said plurality of openings are further defined as a plurality of throughbores arranged so that the light beams extend through said throughbores to strike different clusters of said pixels on said light sensitive transducer.4. The sensor assembly of wherein said plurality of pixels are arranged in rows and columns with each of said pixels being configured to generate an output signal proportional to a quantity of light that strikes each of said pixels.5. The sensor assembly of including a controller in communication with said light sensitive transducer and ...

Systems and methods for constructing and testing composite photonic structures

Systems and methods are disclosed relating to composite photonic materials used to design structures and detecting material deformation for the purpose of monitoring structural health of physical structures. According to one aspect, a composite structure is provided that includes a base material, an optical diffraction grating and one or more fluorophore materials constructed such that localized perturbations create a measureable change in the structure's diffraction pattern. An inspection device is also provided that is configured to detect perturbations in the composite structure. The inspection device is configured to emit an inspecting radiation into the structure and capture the refracted radiation and measure the change in the diffraction pattern and quantify the perturbation based on the wavelength and the angular information for the diffracted radiation.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING REFRACTIVE INDEX, CENTRAL TENSION, OR STRESS PROFILE

Apparatus can comprise a cavity at least partially defined by a first major surface of a reference block and configured to receive a sample. The apparatus can comprise a first polarization-switching light source configured to emit a first polarization-switched light beam toward the cavity and a first detector configured to detect a corresponding signal. The apparatus can comprise a second polarization-switching light source configured to emit a second polarization-switched light beam toward the cavity and a second detector configured to detect a corresponding signal. The first reference block can be positioned between the second detector and the second reference block. Methods of determining an estimated stress profile can comprise determining a central tension from a measured retardation profile of the sample. Methods can comprise determining an initial stress profile from a refractive index profile of the sample. Methods can comprise scaling and adjusting stress profiles. 1. An apparatus for measuring a stress profile of a sample comprising:a cavity at least partially defined by a first major surface of a first reference block comprising a first refractive index, the cavity configured to receive the sample;a polarization-switching light source configured to emit a first polarization-switched light beam toward the cavity;a second polarization-switching light source configured to emit a second polarization-switched light beam toward the cavity;a first detector configured to detect a signal from the first polarization-switched light beam;a second detector configured to detect a signal from the second polarization-switched light beam,wherein the first reference block is positioned between the second detector and the cavity, and the first reference block is positioned between the second detector and the second reference block.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a sample holder claim 1 , the sample holder is translatable in a direction perpendicular to the ...

PRISM-COUPLING SYSTEMS AND METHODS HAVING MULTIPLE LIGHT SOURCES WITH DIFFERENT WAVELENGTHS

The prism-coupling systems and methods include using a prism-coupling system to collect initial TM and TE mode spectra of a chemically strengthened article having a refractive index profile with a near-surface spike region and a deep region. The prism-coupling system has a light source configured to generate sequential measurement light beams or reflected light beams having different measurement wavelengths. The different measurement wavelengths generate different TM and TE mode spectra. The light source can include multiple light-emitting elements and optical filters or a broadband light source and optical filters. The optical filters can be sequentially inserted into either the input optical path or the output optical path of the prism-coupling system. 1. A method of estimating a least one stress-based characteristic of a chemically strengthened article having a refractive index profile with a near-surface spike region and a deep region that define an optical waveguide in a glass-based substrate , comprising:a) using a prism-coupling system having a light source and a coupling prism, sequentially illuminating the glass-based substrate through the coupling prism with measurement light of different wavelengths to generate reflected light containing TM and TE mode spectra for each measurement wavelength to define a set of TM and TE mode spectra;b) examining the set of TM and TE mode spectra and identifying a best TM and TE mode spectra of the set of TM and TE mode spectra for providing a most accurate estimate of the at least one stress-based characteristic; andc) estimating the at least one stress-based characteristic using the best TM and TE mode spectra.2. A method of estimating a least one stress-based characteristic of a chemically strengthened article having a refractive index profile with a near-surface spike region and a deep region that define an optical waveguide in a glass-based substrate , comprising:a) using a prism-coupling system having a light source ...

MECHANICAL ARM AND PICKUP DEVICE

The present invention provides a mechanical arm and a pickup device. The mechanical arm includes a mechanical arm body and a pressure sensing system. The pressure sensing system is fixedly connected with the mechanical arm body, for sensing whether the mechanical arm body is to be collided with a picked-up object. 1. A mechanical arm , comprising a mechanical arm body and a pressure sensing system ,wherein the pressure sensing system is fixedly connected with the mechanical arm body, for sensing whether the mechanical arm body is to be collided with a picked-up object.2. The mechanical arm of claim 1 , wherein the pressure sensing system is a pressure sensor having a telescopic structure claim 1 , and when the pressure sensor collides with the picked-up object claim 1 , the pressure sensor moves in a direction opposite to a movement direction of the mechanical arm.3. The mechanical arm of claim 2 , further comprising a buffering system claim 2 ,wherein the buffering system is fixedly connected with the mechanical arm body, and an end of the buffering system close to the picked-up object is aligned to an end of the pressure sensor close to the picked-up object.4. The mechanical arm of claim 3 , further comprising a protective cap claim 3 ,wherein the protective cap is fixedly connected with the end of the buffering system close to the picked-up object and is in contact with the end of the pressure sensor close to the picked-up object.5. The mechanical arm of claim 3 , wherein the buffering system is a hydraulic buffer or cylinder.6. The mechanical arm of claim 3 , wherein the mechanical arm body has a hollow structure claim 3 , an opening is formed in an end of the mechanical arm body close to the picked-up object claim 3 , and the pressure sensing system and the buffering system are fixed in the hollow structure of the mechanical arm body through the opening.7. The mechanical arm of claim 4 , wherein the material of the protective cap is plastic.8. The mechanical ...

PLASMON RESONANCE BASED STRAIN GAUGE

A strain gauge or other device may include a deformable medium and discrete plasmon supporting structures arranged to create one or more plasmon resonances that change with deformation of the medium and provide the device with an optical characteristic that indicates the deformation of the medium. 1. A strain gauge comprising:a medium that is deformable; anda plurality of discrete plasmon supporting structures arranged with the medium to create one or more plasmon resonances that change with deformation of the medium so that a color of light scattered from the strain gauge visibly changes with the deformation of the medium.2. The strain gauge of claim 1 , wherein the medium is a surface of or is attached to a surface of an object that is subject to strain to be observed.3. (canceled)4. The strain gauge of claim 6 , wherein each of the first optical characteristic and the second optical characteristic is selected from a group consisting of a frequency claim 6 , an amplitude claim 6 , and a width of a feature that the one or more plasmon resonances create in a spectral distribution of light scattered from the strain gauge.5. A strain gauge comprising:a medium that is deformable; anda plurality of discrete plasmon supporting structures arranged with the medium to create one or more plasmon resonances that change with deformation of the medium and provide the strain gauge with an optical characteristic that depends on the deformation of the medium, wherein the discrete plasmon supporting structures are arranged to form a hierarchical structure that includes:a plurality of first assemblies of the discrete plasmon supporting structures, wherein the plasmon supporting structures have first separations within the first assemblies; andone or more second assemblies containing the first assemblies, wherein the first assemblies have second separations within the one or more second assemblies.6. The strain gauge of claim 5 , wherein:a first of the one or more plasmon resonance ...

DEVICE FOR MEASURING DEFORMATIONS OF A ROTOR BLADE OF A WIND TURBINE GENERATOR SYSTEM, AND CORRESPONDING ROTOR BLADE

A device for measuring deformations of a rotor blade of a wind turbine generator system includes an angle measuring device and an arm. The angle measuring device includes a first and a second assembly. The first assembly is pivotable relative to the second assembly about an axis. The second assembly has a fastening site that is configured to be connected to the rotor blade. The angle measuring device is configured to measure a relative angular position between the first and the second assembly. The arm has a connection site disposed at a distance to the fastening site and is configured to be connected to the rotor blade at the connection site. The arm is mechanically coupled to the first assembly at a radial distance such that, in response to a change in the distance, a relative angular displacement is generated between the first and the second assembly. 1. A device for measuring deformations of a rotor blade of a wind turbine generator system , comprising:an angle measuring device that includes a first and a second assembly, the first assembly being pivotable relative to the second assembly about an axis, the second assembly having a fastening site that is configured to be connected to the rotor blade, the angle measuring device being configured to measure a relative angular position between the first and the second assembly; andan arm having a connection site and being configured to be connected to the rotor blade at the connection site, the connection site being disposed at a distance to the fastening site of the second assembly, the distance being oriented orthogonally to the axis,wherein the arm is mechanically coupled to the first assembly at a radial distance such that, in response to a change in the distance, a relative angular displacement is generated between the first and the second assembly.2. The device as recited in claim 1 , wherein the arm is fabricated from a material that includes plastic.3. The device as recited in claim 2 , wherein the plastic is ...

FORCE SENSING IN A DISTAL REGION OF AN INSTRUMENT INCLUDING SINGLE-CORE OR MULTI-CORE OPTICAL FIBER

An optical force sensor along with an optical processing apparatus and method are disclosed. The optical force sensor includes an optical fiber, a core included in the optical fiber, an instrument including the optical fiber, the instrument having a distal region, and a tubular structure encasing an end of the optical fiber and secured to the first conduit at the distal region of the instrument. When an optical interferometric system is coupled to the optical fiber, it processes reflected light from a portion of the core included within the tubular structure that does not include Bragg gratings to produce a measurement of a force present at the distal region of the instrument. 1. An optical force sensor , comprising:an optical fiber;a core included in the optical fiber;an instrument including the optical fiber, the instrument having a distal region;a tubular structure encasing an end of the optical fiber and secured at the distal region of the instrument;the optical fiber being configured for connection to an optical interferometric system which processes reflected light from a portion of the core included within the tubular structure that does not include Bragg gratings to produce a measurement of a force present at the distal region of the instrument.2. The optical force sensor in claim 1 , wherein the optical fiber is tapered within the tubular structure and is secured within the tubular structure by an epoxy index-matched to the optical fiber.3. The optical force sensor in claim 2 , wherein the epoxy transfers strain from the distal region of the instrument to the optical fiber.4. The optical force sensor in claim 1 , wherein the tubular structure is made of metal claim 1 , glass claim 1 , or polymer and completely surrounds the end of the optical fiber.5. The optical force sensor in claim 1 , wherein the tubular structure is secured at the end of the optical fiber using a mechanical attachment claim 1 , an adhesive attachment claim 1 , or a flame spray ...

METHODS, SYSTEM AND DEVICES FOR PANEL MARKING AND FORMABILITY MEASUREMENTS, INCLUDING AUTONOMOUS METHODS AND DEVICES

A method, system and devices for autonomous marking of a substrate and for conducting formability measurements. The method, system and devices may be used to apply markings to a substrate, such as panels that are used to construct articles. The panels, for example, may be automobile panels. The markings preferably are applied on the panel autonomously with a laser etching, and with robot device that is controlled to form a precise pattern of indicia (e.g., dots), on the panel surface. An x, y, z, gantry coordinate system may be used to guide the operations of the robot device to position the device for etching at precise locations on the substrate surface. Once etched, the panels may be processed, such as, by stamping or cutting, and the deformation of the dot pattern may be used to determine strain and formability properties. 1. A method for marking of a substrate via laser etching , comprising:a) providing a substrate having at least one surface;b) designating a surface or surface portion of said at least one surface to receive marking of desired indicia;c) supporting the substrate on a supporting structure;d) positioning a laser etching device on the substrate;e) actuating the laser etching device to deliver a laser output that laser etches the desired indicia on the substrate surface or surface portion; andf) wherein said indicia comprises a dot pattern, wherein the substrate or substrate portion with the laser etched pattern is manipulated, and imaging the substrate or substrate portion, and determining a change in the substrate or substrate portion by identifying deformation of the dot pattern.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein actuating the laser etching device to deliver the laser output that laser etches the desired indicia on the substrate surface or surface portion includes moving the laser etching device or portion thereof across the substrate surface to laser etch the desired indicia on the substrate surface.3. The method of claim 1 , including ...