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 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:
A method and system for pairing a remote control transmitter and receiver includes associating an identification (ID) code with the transmitter. The transmitter includes a light generator for generating a light signal in order to perform a primary function which is visually detectable by a human operator. The light generator may be a laser pointer or a status indicator LED. The light generator is modulated to encode the identification code onto the light signal while the light generator is performing the primary function. The receiver includes a light signal detector such as an LED for receiving the light signal from the light generator. The receiver associates itself with the ID code contained in the light signal in order to pair the receiver with the transmitter. By being paired with the transmitter, the receiver acts upon transmitted command signals received from the transmitter.
Abstract:
A method and system for performing purchase transactions such as credit and charge card transactions includes a home entertainment (HE) device having a display screen. A signature capturing sensor such as a remote control having a touch pad is operable for generating touch pad signals as a function of being touched by a consumer. A controller is operable with the HE device for controlling the HE device to display on the display screen purchase transaction form such as a credit card slip having a signature entry area. The controller is further operable with the HE device and the touch pad for controlling the HE device to display on the display screen a signature of the consumer in the signature entry area of the credit card slip in response to touch pad signals being generated by the touch pad as the consumer touches the touch pad and enters the signature on the touch pad. The controller uses the credit card slip and the entered signature displayed on the display screen to effect a credit card transaction. The controller may transmit information indicative of the credit card slip and the entered signature to the transaction database in order to make a record of the credit card transaction to be effected.
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 may include a bottom layer and a sensing layer disposed on a first side of the bottom layer. The first sensing layer may include a first sensing element and a second sensing element. The first sensing element and the second sensing element may include one of: a force sensing element, a strain sensing element, a motion sensing element, or an environmental sensing element. The first sensing element and the second sensing element may be of a different type of sensing element. The system may also include a communications interface configured to couple the sensing layer with a host controller.
Abstract:
A method may include receiving data from one or more sensing elements associated with a power tool. The method may also include measuring the detected data. The method may further include computing one or more data parameters based on the measuring. The method may include determining whether to permit operation of the power tool based on the data parameters. The method may further include permitting operation of the power tool when the data parameters satisfy an operation condition. The method may also include altering operation of the power tool when the data parameters does not satisfy the operation condition by performing at least one of: generating an alarm, or preventing operation of the power tool.
Abstract:
A force sensing device may include a plate and a sensor plate. The sensor plate may be a first surface coupled to the plate and a second surface opposite the first surface. The sensor plate may also include an actuation structure coupled to the second surface and extending away from the second surface of the sensor plate. The force sensing device may further include a sensor aligned with the sensor plate such that a first force applied to the plate causes the actuation structure to directly contact and apply a second force to the sensor. The force sensing device may be used to determine a location, a magnitude, and/or an angle of the force applied on the plate.
Abstract:
A method may include receiving data from one or more sensing elements associated with a power tool. The method may also include measuring the detected data. The method may further include computing one or more data parameters based on the measuring. The method may include determining whether to permit operation of the power tool based on the data parameters. The method may further include permitting operation of the power tool when the data parameters satisfy an operation condition. The method may also include altering operation of the power tool when the data parameters does not satisfy the operation condition by performing at least one of: generating an alarm, or preventing operation of the power tool.
Abstract:
A system may include a bottom layer and a sensing layer disposed on a first side of the bottom layer. The first sensing layer may include a first sensing element and a second sensing element. The first sensing element and the second sensing element may include one of: a force sensing element, a strain sensing element, a motion sensing element, or an environmental sensing element. The first sensing element and the second sensing element may be of a different type of sensing element. The system may also include a communications interface configured to couple the sensing layer with a host controller.