WO2016053087A1

WO2016053087A1 - Multi -dimensional input device

Info

Publication number: WO2016053087A1
Application number: PCT/NL2015/000033
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan Duindam RHYS
Original assignee: Nupky
Priority date: 2014-09-30
Filing date: 2015-10-07
Publication date: 2016-04-07
Also published as: NL1040976B1

Abstract

An input device for multi-dimensionally sensing which enables measuring of multiple pressure values at multiple locations sequentially or in parallel by measuring subsequent pressure values resulting from the movement of members of the input device, without having to move the input device itself. A preferred embodiment comprises a pinscreen input device in combination with a pressure sensitive conductive sheet and resilient members, which is arranged for real-time control of an apparatus, such as a musical instrument.

Description

MULTI-DIMENSIONAL INPUT DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a multi-dimensional pressure measuring device, and more particularly to a three-dimensional pressure measuring device comprising a plurality of height adjustable pins.

BACKGROUND

A pinscreen usually consists of a boxed surface made of a crowded array of parallel pins that are free to slide in and out independently in a screen to create a three-dimensional relief. Pinscreens are used as toy, in animated film entertainment and for medical purposes e.g. for ergonomical measurements of a human body.

The application of pinscreens is mainly to create a visual effect, based on the following principle. A pin is held in a hole in a board, allowing the pin to be moved in one axis through the board in at least one direction. The impression of a single pin at a first side is directly related to the protrusion of the pin at the opposite side (hereinafter referred to as second side) of the board. The impression may be realized by holding a hand or any other part of the body against the pins at the first side. Basically any surface of an object may be used to create an impression. By constructing a plurality of pins closely together in a board, three-dimensional patterns (image) may be produced on both sides of the board: a positive image at the second side and a negative image on the first side of the board. The level of detail is limited by the number of pins in relation to the concentration of the pins. The size of the image is determined by the size of the board surface occupied with pins and the size of the object. The scale of the object to the image is substantially one to one.

Hereinafter current state of the art systems and methods with regard to the application of pinscreens are described.

US2012307590A1 by Faruque describes systems and methods for sensing one or more signals which include a plurality of pins, wherein the pins are independently movable relative to one another, one or more signal generators coupled to respective pins, one or more signal detectors coupled to respective pins, and a body, wherein the plurality of pins are coupled to the body.

US2002178834A1 by Wu, describes a uniform pressure type three-dimensional pressure bearing surface measuring instrument structure includes a housing, multiple measuring rods, multiple height sensors, multiple connection support cylinders, and multiple connection pipes. The connection support cylinders are connected with the connection pipes which are connected with each other, so that the connection support cylinders and the connection pipes may form a pressure connection system. Thus, the three- dimensional pressure bearing surface measuring instrument structure may be used to the pressure distribution of the user's hip by measuring the height variation of the measuring rods, thereby forming a three-dimensional spatial curve of a constant pressure so as to make a seat cushion of a constant pressure according to the three-dimensional spatial curve, so that the seat cushion may satisfy the ergonomic design.

Current art solutions, wherein a pinscreen is used as input for gathering data, therefore measure positions of the pins in direct relation to contact with a surface, in particular coupled to the surface of a part of the body making an impression on the pinscreen. These positions result in a static physical image, i.e. a static contour map which is subsequently used as input for capturing a three dimensional object or body and/or for accommodating products for use by people.

The present invention aims to enhance the application area of a pinscreen by improving the pinscreen in an inventive manner.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an input device for measuring pressure variations on a surface in time and space.

The object is realized by an input device for multi-dimensionally sensing which enables measuring of multiple pressure values at multiple locations, sequentially or in parallel, by measuring subsequent pressure values resulting from the movement of members of the input device, without having to move the input device itself. In this way a dataset based on variations in pressure in time and space may be used as input for controlling various devices. The invention is further described by its aspects and embodiments and illustrated by exemplary figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The figures show views of embodiments in accordance with the present invention.

FIGURE 1 shows a side view of an example embodiment of the invented input device. FIGURE 2 shows an isometric projection of an example embodiment of the invented input device.

FIGURE 3a shows a detail of an example embodiment of a sensor according to the invention wherein a spring transmits a force to a resistive conductive sheet.

FIGURE 3b shows a detail of an example embodiment of a sensor according to the invention wherein a resilient member other than a spring transmits a force to a resistive conductive sheet.

FIGURE 3c shows a detail of an example embodiment of a sensor according to the invention wherein a non-resilient ring attached to a pin transmits a force to a resistive conductive sheet.

FIGURE 4 shows a side view of an example embodiment of the invented input device wherein the frame is curved and the sensors are positioned in a three-dimensional array.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is now described by the following aspects and embodiments, with reference to the figures.

FIGURE 1 shows a side view of an example embodiment of the invented input device 100. A frame 200 comprises multiple sensors 100a, b..n. The frame 200 comprises a separate hole 201 for each sensor 100a,b..n. The holes 201 are preferably through-holes, of which each hole 201 allows movement of pin 301 along axis 500. Pin 301 is comprised in first member 300 of sensor 100n. Movement of pin 301 is translated in a pressure to be detected by a second member of the sensor. The sensor and its exemplary embodiments are further described in figures 3a,b,c.

FIGURE 2 shows an isometric projection of an example embodiment of the invented input device 100. Multiple sensors 100a, b... n are positioned on frame 200 in a two-dimensional array.

FIGURE 3a shows a detail of an example embodiment of sensor 100a,b..n according to the invention, wherein spring 303a exerts a pressure force on pressure sensitive conductive sheet 401 (hereinafter referred to as "sheet"). When pin 301 is moved through hole 201 towards frame 200, for example by human manipulation, spring 303a is compressed by ring 302 which is attached to pin 301. Consequently spring 303a exerts a pressure force to sheet 401. Sheet 401 is in close contact with electrical contacts 402a, b. When pressure force is increased the conductivity of sheet 401 is increased, which allows more current from electrical contact 402a to electrical contact 402b. When pressure force is decreased, for example by releasing pin 301 , the conductivity of sheet 401 is decreased, thereby decreasing the current from electrical contact 402a to electrical contact 402b. FIGURE 3b shows a detail of an example embodiment of sensor 100a, b... n according to the invention, wherein a resilient member 303b exerts a force on sheet 401. Resilient member 401 may for example comprise a piece of material which is deformable, such as rubber or foam. Preferably the resilient member returns to a default shape after release of pressure, and thus allowing a repeatable manipulation.

FIGURE 3c shows a detail of an example embodiment of sensor 100a,b...n according to the invention, wherein a (preferably non-resilient) ring 302 attached to pin 301 exerts a force on sheet 401 directly. In this case the pin will either stay in the depressed position or will return (at least partly) to a default position when for example the sheet 401 itself or an additional layer (not shown) below sheet 401 is resilient. The pin may also be moved, for example, by human manipulation to a default position.

FIGURE 4 shows a side view of an example embodiment of the invented input device 100 wherein the frame 200 is curved and the sensors 100a,b..n are positioned in a three- dimensional array. By curving or otherwise shaping the input device, the input device 100 may follow curvatures and/or be form-fitted to fit existing equipment. The positioning of the sensors may be adapted to particular applications such as measuring body movements. Movement of for example a head may be measured by an array of sensors on a frame which is substantially shaped in a hollow form so as to follow the surface of the round head. In another example the shape of the frame may be formed to fit a hand. Alternatively the length of the pins may be varied so as to follow the surface of a hand.

FIGURE S shows a diagram of an input device 100 comprising a processing unit 600 for processing the pressure values generated by the sensors 100a,b... n. The processing unit sends the processed data to a control unit 700 which translates the received data into control data suitable for controlling an external apparatus 800. The external apparatus may comprise for example a musical instrument. In this way the input device 100 is suitable for controlling various apparatuses by for example manual input.

In a first aspect of the invention an input device 100 for multi-dimensionally sensing is provided, the input device 100 comprising:

a frame 200;

one or more sensors 100a, b, ... n;

- the one or more sensors 100a,b,...n comprising a first member coupled to the frame 200 and arranged for being independently movable relative to the frame 200, wherein the first member is movable along an axis 500;

the one or more sensors 100a,b,...n further comprising a second member coupled to the first member and wherein the second member is arranged for determining a first pressure value resulting from a movement of the first member along the axis 500 and a processing unit arranged for processing the first pressure value,

wherein the processing unit is arranged for processing a second pressure value resulting from the movement of the first member along the axis 500, wherein the second pressure value follows in time after the first pressure value.

In this way measuring pressure variations on a surface in time and space is possible. In a first embodiment of the invention the processing unit is further arranged for sending the processed first and second pressure value to a control unit arranged for controlling an apparatus. In a second embodiment the input device 100 further comprises that the processing unit is further arranged for determining a first time value comprising the time between the first pressure value and the second pressure value.

In this way it is possible to use the input device 100 for varying the time between subsequent exertions of pressure on the sensor(s) and turn the time between multiple exertions of pressure into meaningful information for further processing.

In a third embodiment the input device 100 further comprises the control unit arranged for:

receiving the processed first and second pressure value;

- translating the processed first and second pressure value and/or the first time value into control data suitable for controlling the apparatus.

The translated data may subsequently be used as input for any apparatus which may be controlled by varying local pressure and/or time between exertions of pressure. In a fourth embodiment the processing unit is arranged for sending the first and the second pressure value and/or the first time value real-time to the control unit.

In a fifth embodiment the control unit is arranged for sending the translated control data real-time to the apparatus.

Sending data real-time is especially useful when the controlled apparatus needs to be controlled real-time. Examples of these apparatuses are musical instruments and vehicles.

In a sixth embodiment the second member is arranged at least partly around a hole in the frame 200, wherein the first member is arranged for being movable through the hole 201. Especially in a pinscreen-like construction, wherein a pin is directed through a hole 201, the frame 200 may provide guidance for the first member. The hole 201 itself may be a through-hole but it does not need to be a through-hole in order to work right. Use of a through hole has the advantage that the first member may also be operated form the other side of the frame 200.

In a seventh embodiment the construction of each sensor of the one or more sensors 100a, b, ... n comprises:

a part of the frame 200 having a hole 201 ;

the hole 201 arranged for receiving the first member;

a sheet 401 which is pressure-sensitive conductive, positioned at least partly around the hole 201 ;

- the first member arranged for exerting a force on a first part of the sheet 401 , when moved towards the first part of the sheet 401 ;

two electrical contacts 402a, b positioned at least partly around the hole 201 and positioned between the sheet 401 and the frame 200. In an eighth embodiment the sheet 401 is arranged for increasing conductivity locally at the area of the second member, when the first member exerts the force.

The employment of this kind of sheet 401 reduces production costs, because there is no need for a separate pressure sensing material to be mounted per sensor. In a ninth embodiment the control unit is arranged for determining the locally increased conductivity.

This enable measuring pressure variations on a surface in space.

In a tenth embodiment the second member comprises two electrical contacts 402a, b electrically connected by the sheet 401.

In an eleventh embodiment the first member comprises a pin.

This is a preferred solution when a hole 201 is straight and guides the first member along one axis 500.

In a twelfth embodiment the first member further comprises a resilient member arranged for being compressible by the pin 301 when the pin 301 moves along the axis 500. This resilient member may exert a counter force and/or is arranged to move the pin 301 to the default position when the pin 301 is released. It also provides an evenly distributed force on the sheet 401. In a thirteenth embodiment the resilient member comprises a coil spring and the construction of each sensor of the one or more sensors 100a,b,...n comprises:

the pin 301 positioned through the coil spring 303a;

the coil spring arranged for making contact with the sheet 401 which is positioned at least partly around the hole 201 ;

the pin 301 arranged for compressing the coil spring 303a when moved along the first axis 500;

the spring arranged for exerting a pressure force on the sheet 401 whereby a pressure on the sheet 401 is locally increased. In a fourteenth embodiment the construction of each sensor of the one or more sensors 100a , b, ... n comprises:

the second member comprising a pressure sensitive resilient part 303b positioned on top of the frame 200;

the first member arranged for exerting a force on the second member, when moved towards the frame 200;

two electrical contacts connected to the second member.

In a fifteenth embodiment a sensor of the one or more sensors 100a,b,...n comprises a microelectromechanical system.

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) (also written as micro-electro-mechanical, MicroElectroMechanical or microelectronic and microelectromechanical systems and the related micromechatronics) is the technology of very small devices; it merges at the nano- scale into nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) and nanotechnology. MEMS are also referred to as micromachines (in Japan), or micro systems technology - MST (in Europe). MEMS are separate and distinct from the hypothetical vision of molecular nanotechnology or molecular electronics. MEMS are made up of components between 1 to 100 micrometres in size (i.e. 0.001 to 0.1 mm), and MEMS devices generally range in size from 20 micrometres (20 millionths of a metre) to a millimetre (i.e. 0.02 to 1.0 mm). They usually consist of a central unit that processes data (the microprocessor) and several components that interact with the surroundings such as microsensors. At these size scales, the standard constructs of classical physics are not always useful. Because of the large surface area to volume ratio of MEMS, surface effects such as electrostatics and wetting dominate over volume effects such as inertia or thermal mass.

MEMS became practical once they could be fabricated using modified semiconductor device fabrication technologies, normally used to make electronics. These include molding and plating, wet etching (KOH, TMAH) and dry etching (RIE and DRIE), electro discharge machining (EDM), and other technologies capable of manufacturing small devices. The employment of meme enable further miniaturization of the input device, or make it possible to have a very high resolution (defined by numbers of sensors per inch) input device. This is particularly useful for operating a computer and especially for computer image manipulation.

In a sixteenth embodiment the input device 100 comprises a plurality of sensors and the frame 200 comprises a printed circuit board wherein the plurality of sensors are arranged in an array which comprises an at least partly two-dimensional configuration.

This enable measuring pressure variations on a surface in two-dimensional space.

In a seventeenth embodiment the input device 100 comprises a plurality of sensors and the frame 200 comprises a printed circuit board wherein the plurality of sensors are arranged in an array which comprises an at least partly three-dimensional configuration. This enable measuring pressure variations on a surface in three dimensional space.

In an eighteenth embodiment the input device 100 further comprises a feedback unit arranged for providing a feedback through the first member.

This enables application of the input device 100 in for example medical devices which need to give feedback on delicate operations by a surgeon.

In a nineteenth embodiment the feedback unit is arranged for providing the feedback in dependence of the first and/or second pressure value.

In a twentieth embodiment the feedback unit comprises a vibration generating device and the feedback comprises a vibration. In a twenty-first embodiment the apparatus comprises any one of the group of apparatuses comprising:

a musical instrument;

a musical controller;

- a computer;

a body or object movement measuring apparatus;

a vehicle, such as a car, a boat or an airplane;

a braille apparatus;

a light installation;

- a remote control.

an apparatus for translating the input movement into an enlarged or reduced scale pin displays;

a security system;

a weight and size measurement system.

The term "substantially" herein, such as in "substantially ..." etc., will be understood by the person skilled in the art. In embodiments the adjective substantially may be removed. Where applicable, the term "substantially" may also include embodiments with "entirely", "completely", "all", etc. Where applicable, the term "substantially" may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, including 100%. The term "comprise" includes also embodiments wherein the term "comprises" means "consists of. It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The article "the" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

CONCLUSIES

1. An input device for multi-dimensionally sensing, the input device comprising:

- a frame;

- one or more sensors

- the one or more sensors comprising a first member coupled to the frame and arranged for being independently movable relative to the frame, wherein the first member is movable along an axis;

- the one or more sensors further comprising a second member coupled to the first member and wherein the second member is arranged for determining a first pressure value resulting from a movement of the first member along the axis and

- a processing unit arranged for processing the first pressure value, characterized in that,

- the processing unit is arranged for processing a second pressure value resulting from the movement of the first member along the axis, wherein the second pressure value follows in time after the first pressure value.

2. The input device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the processing unit is further arranged for sending the processed first and second pressure value to a control unit arranged for controlling an apparatus.

3. The input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device further comprises that the processing unit is further arranged for determining a first time value comprising the time between the first pressure value and the second pressure value.

4. The input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device further comprises the control unit arranged for:

- receiving the processed first and second pressure value;

5. The input device according to any one of the claims 3-4, characterized in that the processing unit is arranged for sending the first and the second pressure value and/or the first time value real-time to the control unit.

6. The input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit is arranged for sending the translated control data real-time to the apparatus.

7. The input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second member is arranged at least partly around a hole in the frame, wherein the first member is arranged for being movable through the hole.

8. The input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the construction of each sensor of the one or more sensors comprises:

- a part of the frame having a hole;

- the hole arranged for receiving the first member;

- a sheet which is pressure-sensitive conductive, positioned at least partly around the hole;

- the first member arranged for exerting a force on a first part of the sheet, when moved towards the first part of the sheet;

- two electrical contacts positioned at least partly around the hole and positioned between the sheet and the frame.

9. The input device according to claim 8, characterized in that the sheet is arranged for increasing conductivity locally at the area of the second member, when the first member exerts the force.

10. The input device according to claim 9, characterized in that the control unit is arranged for determining the locally increased conductivity.

11. The input device according to any one of the claims 8-10, characterized in that the second member comprises two electrical contacts electrically connected by the sheet.

12. The input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first member comprises a pin.

13. The input device according to claim 12, characterized in that the first member further comprises a resilient member arranged for being compressible by the pin when the pin moves along the axis.

14. The input device according to claim 13, characterized in that the resilient member comprises a coil spring and the construction of each sensor of the one or more sensors comprises:

- the pin positioned through the coil spring;

- the coil spring arranged for making contact with the sheet which is positioned at least partly around the hole;

- the pin arranged for compressing the coil spring when moved along the first axis; - the spring arranged for exerting a pressure force on the sheet whereby a pressure on the sheet is locally increased.

15. The input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the construction of each sensor of the one or more sensors comprises:

- the second member comprising a pressure sensitive resilient part positioned on top of the frame;

- the first member arranged for exerting a force on the second member, when moved towards the frame;

- two electrical contacts connected to the second member.

16. The input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sensor of the one or more sensors comprises a microelectromechanical system.

17. The input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device comprises a plurality of sensors and the frame comprises a printed circuit board wherein the plurality of sensors are arranged in an array which comprises an at least partly two-dimensional configuration.

18. The input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device comprises a plurality of sensors and the frame comprises a printed circuit board wherein the plurality of sensors are arranged in an array which comprises an at least partly three-dimensional configuration.

19. The input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device further comprises a feedback unit arranged for providing a feedback through the first member.

20. The input device according to claim 19, characterized in that the feedback unit is arranged for providing the feedback in dependence of the first and/or second pressure value.

21. The input device according to any one of the claims 19-20, characterized in that the feedback unit comprises a vibration generating device and the feedback comprises a vibration.

22. The input device according to any one of the claims 4-21 , characterized in that the apparatus comprises any one of the group of apparatuses comprising:

- a musical instrument;

- a musical controller;

- a computer;

- a body or object movement measuring apparatus;

- a vehicle, such as a car, a boat or an airplane;

- a braille apparatus;

- a light installation;

- a remote control.

- an apparatus for translating the input movement into an enlarged or reduced scale pin displays;

- a security system;

- a weight and size measurement system.