Position sensing system with an electromagnet

A position sensing system for measuring a position of a moving object includes an electromagnet configured to generate an alternating magnetic field, and a magnetic sensor configured to measure an intensity of a first magnetic field that is based on the alternating magnetic field. A controller is configured to estimate a position of the moving object based on the measured intensity of the first magnetic field.

IDENTIFYING NEAR-FALL EVENTS BASED ON INERTIAL MEASUREMENT UNIT DATA

A sensing and processing system includes a plurality of wearable sensing devices each including an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to be positioned on a subject and generate accelerometer signals and gyroscope signals. The system includes a processor to identify near-fall events indicative of the subject nearly falling down based on the generated accelerometer signals and gyroscope signals, and wherein the processor is to generate, for each of the near-fall events, subject response data indicative of a recovery response of the subject to recover from the near-fall event.

Instrumented wearable device for measurement of physiological parameters

This disclosure describes devices, system, and a method for the prediction and prevention of acute decompensated heart failure or other patient conditions involving fluid accumulation in legs or hands. In one example, a wearable device contains a drift-free leg-size sensor and a tissue-elasticity sensor. Both sensors may be relatively inexpensive and developed using innovative new sensing ideas. Preliminary tests with the sensor prototypes show promising results: the leg-size sensor is capable of measuring 1 mm changes in leg diameter and the tissue-elasticity sensor can detect 0.15 MPa differences in elasticity. In another example, a wearable system includes sensors for measuring a variety of physiological parameters, a processing module, and a communication module. A low-profile instrumented sock, e.g., a wearable device, with multiple sensors can provide an indication of heart failure status for a patient.

Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) Sensor

In general, the disclosure is directed to techniques for sensing the weight of a load object passing over a measurement surface. In some examples, a weigh-in motion (WIM) sensor is provided that includes a first beam that exhibits a linear elastance function, and a second beam that exhibits a nonlinear elastance function. In additional examples, the WIM sensor may include a measurement circuit configured to generate information corresponding to a weight of the load object, a wireless transmission circuit configured to transmit the information to a receiving station, and an energy harvesting circuit configured to harvest an amount of energy from vehicle vibrations. The energy harvested may be sufficient to power the wireless transmission circuit. In further examples, a WIM system is provided that includes a sequence of sensors. Information from the sequence of sensors may be used to remove noise in the raw data due to vehicle vibration.

INSTRUMENTED WEARABLE DEVICE FOR MEASUREMENT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS

This disclosure describes devices, system, and a method for the prediction and prevention of acute decompensated heart failure or other patient conditions involving fluid accumulation in legs or hands. In one example, a wearable device contains a drift-free leg-size sensor and a tissue-elasticity sensor. Both sensors may be relatively inexpensive and developed using innovative new sensing ideas. Preliminary tests with the sensor prototypes show promising results: the leg-size sensor is capable of measuring 1 mm changes in leg diameter and the tissue-elasticity sensor can detect 0.15 MPa differences in elasticity. In another example, a wearable system includes sensors for measuring a variety of physiological parameters, a processing module, and a communication module. A low-profile instrumented sock, e.g., a wearable device, with multiple sensors can provide an indication of heart failure status for a patient.

POSITION SENSING SYSTEM WITH AN ELECTROMAGNET

A position sensing system for measuring a position of a linearly moving object includes a high magnetic permeability material positioned on the moving object, an electromagnet configured to generate an alternating magnetic field, and at least one magnetic sensor configured to measure an intensity of a first magnetic field that is based on the alternating magnetic field. A controller is configured to estimate a linear position of the moving object based on the measured intensity of the first magnetic field. 1. A position sensing system for measuring a position of a linearly moving object , comprising:a high magnetic permeability material positioned on the moving object;an electromagnet configured to generate an alternating magnetic field;at least one magnetic sensor configured to measure an intensity of a first magnetic field that is based on the alternating magnetic field; anda controller configured to estimate a linear position of the moving object based on the measured intensity of the first magnetic field.2. The position sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one magnetic sensor includes a first magnetic sensor positioned on a first side of the electromagnet and a second magnetic sensor positioned on a second side opposite the first side of the electromagnet.3. The position sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one magnetic sensor includes first and second magnetic sensors positioned on a first side of the electromagnet and third and fourth magnetic sensors positioned on a second side opposite the first side of the electromagnet.4. The position sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the high magnetic permeability material includes a first portion positioned on a top side of the moving object claim 1 , and a second portion positioned on a bottom side of the moving object.5. The position sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the high magnetic permeability material is positioned on only one side of the moving object.6. The position sensing system of ...

Pressure sensing catheter system

A pressure sensing catheter system includes a urethral catheter and a sensor array formed on the urethral catheter. The sensor array includes a plurality of pressure sensors distributed along a length of the urethral catheter. The sensor array is configured to produce a dynamic pressure distribution profile along a urethra.

POSITION SENSING SYSTEM

A position sensing system for measuring a position of a moving object includes a first magnetic sensor configured to measure an intensity of a magnetic field produced by the moving object. The system includes a controller configured to estimate a position of the moving object based on a nonlinear model of the magnetic field produced by the moving object as a function of position around the moving object, and based on the measured intensity of the magnetic field produced by the moving object.

End Effector Position Estimation

One example is directed to an end effector position estimation system for an off-road vehicle, which includes at least one inertial measurement unit (IMU) configured to be positioned on at least one of actuators and links of the vehicle that together move the end effector of the vehicle, and configured to generate measurement signals. The position estimation system includes at least one other IMU configured to be positioned on a base of the vehicle, and configured to generate other measurement signals. The position estimation system includes an estimation unit to estimate a position of the end effector of the vehicle based at least in part on the measurement signals and the other measurement signals, wherein the estimation unit is configured to perform an estimation method that removes an influence of terrain-induced vibrations and terrain slope in the measurement signals based on the other measurement signals.

Sensing tissue properties

Some embodiments of a tissue sensor may include a micro-fabricated structure that can be coupled to a medical instrument, such as a probe, an endoscopic tool, or another minimally invasive instrument. The tissue sensor can be configured to provide information indicate of tissue properties, such as tissue elasticity characteristics or the type of tissue.

SENSOR FOR TENSION MEASUREMENT

A device includes a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is configured to generate a first signal corresponding to a detected first force. The second sensor is configured to generate a second signal corresponding to a detected second force. The first force and the second force has a substantially common direction. The device includes a processor configured to determine a measure of tension using the first signal and using the second signal. The measure of tension corresponds to displacement of an elongate member.

SUPERCAPACITOR-BASED SENSORS WITH FLEXIBLE ELECTROLYTES

Supercapacitor-based sensors having flexible solid-state electrolytic elements are described. The deformation of the electrolytic element in response to an applied force or strain changes the area of capacitive layers defined by contacting surfaces of the electrolytic element and one or more electrodes of the sensor. The resulting change in capacitance of the capacitive double layers is indicative of the magnitude of the applied force or of the strain. The flexible solid-state electrolytic element may include cellulosic material distributed in a cured ionic polymeric matrix. Techniques for forming the flexible solid-state electrolytic element include wetting a cellulosic material with a photocurable composition comprising an ionic liquid, a prepolymer composition, and a photoinitiator, and photocuring the photocurable composition for a predetermined curing period by exposing the wetted cellulosic material to a predetermined curing wavelength. 1. An article comprising:a positive electrode;a negative electrode spaced apart from the positive electrode; anda flexible solid-state electrolytic element adjacent to and positioned between the positive and negative electrodes,wherein the flexible solid-state electrolytic element is configured to deform and exhibit a change in respective areas of contact with one or both of the positive or negative electrodes in response to a force or strain applied on the flexible solid-state electrolytic element, andwherein the areas of contact between the flexible solid-state electrolytic element and the positive and negative electrodes respectively define a first and second capacitive double layer.2. The article of claim 1 , wherein the flexible solid-state electrolytic element comprises a cellulosic material coated with a cured ionic polymeric matrix or a cellulosic material distributed in a cured ionic polymeric matrix.3. The article of claim 2 , wherein the cured ionic polymeric matrix comprises nanoparticles.4. The article of claim 2 , ...

Sensor for tension measurement

A device includes a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is configured to generate a first signal corresponding to a detected first force. The second sensor is configured to generate a second signal corresponding to a detected second force. The first force and the second force has a substantially common direction. The device includes a processor configured to determine a measure of tension using the first signal and using the second signal. The measure of tension corresponds to displacement of an elongate member.

Thin film transparent acoustic transducer

A thin film acoustic transducer is formed with an electrically actuatable substantially transparent thin film. Substantially transparent conductive thin films are supported on both sides of the electrically actuatable substantially transparent thin film. The thin film transducer may be used to sense sound, or produce sound in various embodiments. In further embodiments, the film may be attached to a window, and operate as a speaker for an audio system, or may provide noise cancellation functions. In further embodiments, the film may be attached to a computer monitor, touch panel, poster, or other surface, and operate as a speaker. A method of forming carbon nanotube thin films uses a layer by layer assembly technique and a positively charged hydrophilic layer on a thin film substrate.

WEARABLE AMBULATORY SENSORS FOR MEASUREMENT OF BREATHING MOTIONS

An example wearable respiratory motion sensor system includes a plurality of inertial measurement units (IMUs) to be positioned on a subject and generate accelerometer and gyroscope signals. The wearable respiratory motion sensor system also includes a processor to compute three-dimensional displacements of a rib cage and an abdomen of the subject based on the generated accelerometer and gyroscope signals.

Collision detection

Bicycle collision systems, apparatus, and methods may include, or use, one or more various sensing apparatus to detect vehicles or other objects that may collide, or potentially collide, with a bicycle. The sensing apparatus may include at least one of side sensing apparatus, rear sensing apparatus, and front sensing apparatus. Further, alert apparatus may be used to alert not only the cyclist but also the driver of a vehicle of an imminent collision.

Position sensing system

A position sensing system for measuring a position of a moving object includes a first magnetic sensor configured to measure an intensity of a magnetic field produced by the moving object. The system includes a controller configured to estimate a position of the moving object based on a nonlinear model of the magnetic field produced by the moving object as a function of position around the moving object, and based on the measured intensity of the magnetic field produced by the moving object.

SENSING TISSUE PROPERTIES

Some embodiments of a tissue sensor may include a micro-fabricated structure that can be coupled to a medical instrument, such as a probe, an endoscopic tool, or another minimally invasive instrument. The tissue sensor can be configured to provide information indicate of tissue properties, such as tissue elasticity characteristics or the type of tissue. 1. A medical system , comprising:a medical instrument having a distal portion insertable into a body and toward a targeted tissue;one or more tissue elasticity sensors coupled to the distal portion of the medical instrument, the one or more tissue elasticity sensors transmitting sensor signals in response to application of a force on the targeted tissue in the body that causes a displacement of the targeted tissue; anda control unit to determine both the Young's modulus of the targeted tissue and the shear modulus of the targeted tissue in the body in response to the sensor signals after the application of the force on the targeted tissue that causes the displacement of the targeted tissue.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein each of the tissue elasticity sensors includes two or more flexible membranes having different stiffness properties.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein each of the two or more membranes of each tissue elasticity sensor maintains a capacitive gap between two electrodes.4. The system of claim 3 , wherein when each tissue elasticity sensor is pressed against the targeted tissue in the body claim 3 , the two or more membranes having different stiffness properties are deflected by different amounts so that the capacitive gap is changed.5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the control unit detects capacitance changes to determine the relative displacement of the two or more membranes of each tissue elasticity sensor.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more tissue elasticity sensors coupled to the distal portion of the medical instrument comprise an array of micro-fabricated sensors including a ...

COLLISION DETECTION

Bicycle collision systems, apparatus, and methods may include, or use, one or more various sensing apparatus to detect vehicles or other objects that may collide, or potentially collide, with a bicycle. The sensing apparatus may include at least one of side sensing apparatus, rear sensing apparatus, and front sensing apparatus. Further, alert apparatus may be used to alert not only the cyclist but also the driver of a vehicle of an imminent collision. 1. A system for use with a bicycle comprising:a rear sensing apparatus couplable to a bicycle and comprising one or more rear sensors to detect the distance from the bicycle to vehicles located behind the bicycle and the angle of the direction of motion of the vehicles located behind the bicycle relative to the direction of motion of the bicycle to provide rear vehicular data;an alert apparatus comprising a speaker to output sound to alert at least drivers of vehicles of potential collision situations; and determine position data and velocity data of vehicles located behind the bicycle based on the rear vehicular data from the rear sensing apparatus,', 'determine a potential collision situation based on at least one of the position data and the velocity data of a vehicle located behind the bicycle, and', 'issue an alert using the alert apparatus in response to determining a potential collision situation, wherein the alert comprises one or more sounds outputted by the speaker to alert at least the driver of the vehicle., 'a computing apparatus comprising one or more processors operably coupled to the rear sensing apparatus and the alert apparatus, wherein the computing apparatus is configured to2. The system of claim 1 , wherein computing apparatus is further configured to:determine orientation data of vehicles located behind the bicycle based on the rear vehicular data from the rear sensing apparatus, anddetermine a potential collision situation based on at least one of the orientation data of a vehicle located behind ...

THIN FILM TRANSPARENT ACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER

A thin film acoustic transducer is formed with an electrically actuatable substantially transparent thin film. Substantially transparent conductive thin films are supported on both sides of the electrically actuatable substantially transparent thin film. The thin film transducer may be used to sense sound, or produce sound in various embodiments. In further embodiments, the film may be attached to a window, and operate as a speaker for an audio system, or may provide noise cancellation functions. In further embodiments, the film may be attached to a computer monitor, touch panel, poster, or other surface, and operate as a speaker. A method of forming carbon nanotube thin films uses a layer by layer assembly technique and a positively charged hydrophilic layer on a thin film substrate.

PRESSURE SENSING CATHETER SYSTEM

A pressure sensing catheter system includes a urethral catheter and a sensor array formed on the urethral catheter. The sensor array includes a plurality of pressure sensors distributed along a length of the urethral catheter. The sensor array is configured to produce a dynamic pressure distribution profile along a urethra.

POSITION SENSING SYSTEM WITH AN ELECTROMAGNET

A position sensing system for measuring a position of a moving object includes an electromagnet configured to generate an alternating magnetic field, and a magnetic sensor configured to measure an intensity of a first magnetic field that is based on the alternating magnetic field. A controller is configured to estimate a position of the moving object based on the measured intensity of the first magnetic field. 1. A position sensing system for measuring a position of a moving object , comprising:an electromagnet configured to generate an alternating magnetic field;a magnetic sensor configured to measure an intensity of a first magnetic field that is based on the alternating magnetic field; anda controller configured to estimate a position of the moving object based on the measured intensity of the first magnetic field.2. The position sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to estimate the position of the moving object based further on a nonlinear model of a magnetic field produced by the electromagnet as a function of position around the electromagnet.3. The position sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the moving object is a piston positioned within a cylinder.4. The position sensing system of claim 3 , wherein the electromagnet is positioned on the piston claim 3 , and the magnetic sensor is positioned on the cylinder.5. The position sensing system of claim 3 , wherein the electromagnet is positioned on the cylinder claim 3 , and the magnetic sensor is positioned on the piston.6. The position sensing system of claim 5 , wherein the magnetic sensor on the piston is powered by a battery claim 5 , and wherein no wires are connected to the piston.7. The position sensing system of claim 3 , wherein the electromagnet and the magnetic sensor are positioned on the cylinder.8. The position sensing system of claim 7 , and further comprising:a permanent magnet positioned on the piston.9. The position sensing system of claim 8 , wherein the first ...

TUNABLE NEURAL ELECTRODE

A device includes a substrate, an electrode, an electrical pad, and a signal line. The signal line is coupled to the substrate and covered by an insulation layer. The signal line is coupled to the electrical pad and the electrode. At least one of the electrode and the signal line includes a diamagnetic material and paramagnetic material, wherein a ratio of the diamagnetic material and the paramagnetic material is selected based on the susceptibility properties of a physiological tissue. The term paramagnetic herein refers to magnetic susceptibility greater than that of the surrounding tissue and diamagnetic refers to magnetic susceptibility lower than that of the tissue. 1. A device comprising:a substrate having a surface;a signal line coupled to the substrate and covered by an insulation layer;an electrical pad coupled to the signal line; andan electrode coupled to the signal line;wherein at least one of the electrode or the signal line includes a diamagnetic material and a paramagnetic material, wherein diamagnetic and paramagnetic are relative to a physiological tissue, wherein a ratio of the diamagnetic material and the paramagnetic material is selected based on the physiological susceptibility property of the tissue.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the physiological tissue is a neural or spinal tissue.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the physiological tissue is a or muscular tissue.4. The device of claim 1 , where the electrode is a recording electrode or stimulating electrode.5. A fabrication method comprising:providing a substrate;forming a signal line on the substrate;forming an electrode, such that the electrode is coupled to the signal line, wherein at least one of the electrode or signal line includes diamagnetic material and paramagnetic material relative to a physiological tissue in a ratio determined by the properties of the physiological tissue; andselectively applying insulation to the signal lines.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the ratio is ...

Tunable neural electrode

A device includes a substrate, an electrode, an electrical pad, and a signal line. The signal line is coupled to the substrate and covered by an insulation layer. The signal line is coupled to the electrical pad and the electrode. At least one of the electrode and the signal line includes a diamagnetic material and paramagnetic material, wherein a ratio of the diamagnetic material and the paramagnetic material is selected based on the susceptibility properties of a physiological tissue. The term paramagnetic herein refers to magnetic susceptibility greater than that of the surrounding tissue and diamagnetic refers to magnetic susceptibility lower than that of the tissue.

Position sensing system

A position sensing system for measuring a position of a moving object includes a first magnetic sensor configured to measure an intensity of a magnetic field produced by the moving object. The system includes a controller configured to estimate a position of the moving object based on a nonlinear model of the magnetic field produced by the moving object as a function of position around the moving object, and based on the measured intensity of the magnetic field produced by the moving object.

Position sensing system with an electromagnet

A position sensing system for measuring a position of a linearly moving object includes a high magnetic permeability material positioned on the moving object, an electromagnet configured to generate an alternating magnetic field, and at least one magnetic sensor configured to measure an intensity of a first magnetic field that is based on the alternating magnetic field. A controller is configured to estimate a linear position of the moving object based on the measured intensity of the first magnetic field.

POSITION SENSING SYSTEM

A position sensing system for measuring a position of a moving object includes a first magnetic sensor configured to measure an intensity of a magnetic field produced by the moving object. The system includes a controller configured to estimate a position of the moving object based on a nonlinear model of the magnetic field produced by the moving object as a function of position around the moving object, and based on the measured intensity of the magnetic field produced by the moving object. 1. A position sensing system for measuring a position of a moving object , comprising:first and second magnetic sensors configured to measure an intensity of a magnetic field produced by the moving object, wherein the first magnetic sensor is located at a known distance from the second magnetic sensor;a memory storing a nonlinear model of the magnetic field produced by the moving object as a function of position around the moving object; anda controller with an auto-calibration system configured to use an expected relationship between signals of the first and second magnetic sensors to automatically calibrate parameters of the nonlinear model and compute the position of the moving object.2. The position sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the moving object is positioned inside a machine claim 1 , and wherein the first and second magnetic sensors are positioned on a static portion of the machine outside of moving object.3. The position sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the moving object comprises a piston inside a cylinder claim 1 , and wherein the first and second magnetic sensors are positioned on an outside surface of the cylinder or outside the cylinder.4. The position sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the moving object comprises a rotating object inside a machine claim 1 , and wherein the first and second magnetic sensors are positioned on a static portion of the machine outside the rotating object.5. The position sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the nonlinear model ...

Stiffness sensor

In general, this disclosure is directed to a stiffness sensor that uses capacitance measurements to determine a stiffness of a film applied to a pre-charged membrane. A capacitance is measured between the pre-charged membrane and a back-plate. When applied to the pre-charged membrane, the film may alter the stiffness of the pre-charged membrane. A change in the stiffness of the pre-charged membrane may cause a movement or deflection of the pre-charged membrane, which in turn may cause a change in the capacitance between the pre-charged membrane and the back-plate. In one example, the disclosure is directed to an apparatus that includes a pre-charged membrane, a metallic plate, and a film applied to the pre-charged membrane. The apparatus further includes a capacitance measurement block configured to measure a capacitance between the pre-charged membrane and the metallic plate, and to determine the stiffness of the pre-charged membrane based on the measured capacitance.

Sensor for tension measurement

A device includes a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is configured to generate a first signal corresponding to a detected first force. The second sensor is configured to generate a second signal corresponding to a detected second force. The first force and the second force has a substantially common direction. The device includes a processor configured to determine a measure of tension using the first signal and using the second signal. The measure of tension corresponds to displacement of an elongate member.

Position sensing system

A position sensing system for measuring a position of a moving object includes a first magnetic sensor configured to measure an intensity of a magnetic field produced by the moving object. The system includes a controller configured to estimate a position of the moving object based on a nonlinear model of the magnetic field produced by the moving object as a function of position around the moving object, and based on the measured intensity of the magnetic field produced by the moving object.

Wearable ambulatory sensors for measurement of breathing motions

An example wearable respiratory motion sensor system includes a plurality of inertial measurement units (IMUs) to be positioned on a subject and generate accelerometer and gyroscope signals. The wearable respiratory motion sensor system also includes a processor to compute three-dimensional displacements of a rib cage and an abdomen of the subject based on the generated accelerometer and gyroscope signals.

Elevator active guidance system having model-based multi-input multi-output controller

Elevator active guidance system having model-based multi-input multi-output controller

Compression ignition engine control

A method of estimating in-cylinder pressure includes receiving a vibration signal from a vibration sensor mounted proximate a compression ignition (CI) engine, receiving angular position information for the CI engine, and determining in-cylinder pressure based on the angular position information and on a combustion component of the vibration signal.