Abstract:
In an example, an impact detector may include a sensor mounting bracket, a piezo film sensor assembly, and an interface circuit. The sensor mounting bracket may be attached to an impact sensing object. The piezo film sensor assembly may be coupled to the sensor mounting bracket. The interface circuit may be configured to obtain one or more generated signals from the piezo film sensor assembly. The interface circuit may be configured to reduce a first amplitude associated with a noise signal and may be configured to amplify a second amplitude associated with an impact signal. The impact signal may occur in response to a force being applied to the impact sensing object.
Abstract:
A handheld device includes an electronic display having an active area for presenting visual content and a bezel disposed around the electronic display. The bezel may have an opening allowing a person to view the active area. The handheld device also includes a force sensing system having a force sensing element that is disposed below an external surface of the bezel. The force sensing system may be configured to a sense a force on the bezel and to generate a sensor signal indicative of the force. The handheld device may further include a processor operable to receive the sensor signal and to execute a function based on the sensor signal.
Abstract:
A system includes a surface having a demarcated area and discrete areas disposed on the surface. The discrete areas may each be configured to receive user input. At least a portion of the discrete areas overlap the demarcated area. The system further includes a sensing layer disposed underneath the surface. The sensing layer may be configured to sense force applied to the surface in response to the user input.
Abstract:
Certain example embodiments include a press sensor element that includes a piezoelectric layer having a first surface in communication with a first layer, the first layer including a first conductive region, where the first conductive region covers at least a central portion the first surface. The sensor element includes a second surface in communication with a second layer, the second layer including a second conductive region, a third conductive region, and a first non-conductive void region separating the second conductive region and the third conductive region. An area of the first conductive region is configured in size relative to an area of the third conductive region to substantially reduce a thermally-induced voltage change between two or more of the first, second, and third conductive regions responsive to a corresponding temperature change of at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer.
Abstract:
Certain implementations of the disclosed technology may include systems, methods, and apparatus for common mode signal cancellation in force change detectors. An example embodiment of the disclosed technology includes a press sensor element configured to reduce or eliminate thermally induced signals. The sensor element includes a piezoelectric layer that includes a first surface in communication with a first layer. The first layer includes a first conductive region. The piezoelectric layer includes a second surface in communication with a second layer. The second layer includes a second conductive region, a third conductive region, and a non-conductive void region separating the second conductive region and the third conductive region. The second and third conductive regions are configured to substantially reduce a thermally-induced voltage change between two or more of the first, second and third conductive regions responsive to a corresponding temperature change of at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer.
Abstract:
A door handle includes a handle body with an external surface, an internal portion, and a mounting feature configured to couple the handle body to a door. The door handle also includes a force sensing element disposed in the internal portion of the handle body. The first force sensing element is configured to measure a force applied to the external surface of the door handle. The door handle further includes a communication element coupled to the force sensing element. The force measured by the force sensing element is used to determine an output function.
Abstract:
A door handle includes a handle body with an external surface, an internal portion, and a mounting feature configured to couple the handle body to a door. The door handle also includes a force sensing element disposed in the internal portion of the handle body. The first force sensing element is configured to measure a force applied to the external surface of the door handle. The door handle further includes a communication element coupled to the force sensing element. The force measured by the force sensing element is used to determine an output function.
Abstract:
A multi-modal sensing transducer may include a force concentrator having an external sensing surface. The multi-modal sensing transducer may also include at least one electrode coupled to the force concentrator. Further, the multi-modal sensing transducer may include at least one force sensitive element disposed adjacent to the at least one electrode. Moreover, the multi-modal sensing transducer may include at least one air gap disposed between the at least one electrode and the at least one force sensitive element.
Abstract:
A system includes a surface having a demarcated area and discrete areas disposed on the surface. The discrete areas may each be configured to receive user input. At least a portion of the discrete areas overlap the demarcated area. The system further includes a sensing layer disposed underneath the surface. The sensing layer may be configured to sense force applied to the surface in response to the user input.
Abstract:
A handheld device includes an electronic display having an active area for presenting visual content and a bezel disposed around the electronic display. The bezel may have an opening allowing a person to view the active area. The handheld device also includes a force sensing system having a force sensing element that is disposed below an external surface of the bezel. The force sensing system may be configured to a sense a force on the bezel and to generate a sensor signal indicative of the force. The handheld device may further include a processor operable to receive the sensor signal and to execute a function based on the sensor signal.