NON-UNIFORM ELECTRODE SPACING WITH A BEND SENSOR

Abstract

A multibend sensor has a plurality of electrodes located along the sliding or reference strip that are not uniformly paced. More electrodes can be placed in those regions where more precise measurements of movement are desired. To save costs fewer electrodes need to be placed in regions where there is no need to measure the bending.

Description

FIELD

The disclosed apparatus and methods relate to the field of sensing, and in particular to providing accurate determination of positioning using a sensor with strategically placed electrodes.

BACKGROUND

In the past, sensing gloves have been employed to detect hand gestures. An example is the Dataglove, set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,252, which employed optical bend sensors along the fingers to detect finger position. Nintendo's Power Glove used a similar design, but with resistive bend sensors. In both cases, the bend sensors were not very sensitive, providing only a single measure of the overall bend for each bend sensor.

Bend sensors are used in applications beyond finger and hand sensing. They are often employed to understand human motion more generally. Recent decades have seen tremendous progress in the development of high accuracy sensors and their low cost, mass production. Much of this has been driven by smartphones which include an impressive array of sensors. Despite these advancements, there are still many things about the physical world that have proven surprisingly difficult to sense with an inexpensive, precision device. We consider the challenging problem of sensing the shape of a dynamically deforming object.

The desire to understand shape arises in many applications. In robotics, rotary joints are frequently cascaded to allow dexterous, multi-axis motion that must be monitored to be actively controlled. Launching a large rocket has been compared to “pushing on a string”, and it requires a detailed understanding of dynamic flexure. Bridges, storage tanks, planes and many other structures are subject to repeated load cycling and understanding deformation in these systems can help prevent catastrophe. More germane to the Human-Computer Interaction (HCl) community, our bodies are quite flexible. In medicine and sports performance, it is often important to understand the range and type of motion. Motion capture is critically important to both the gaming and movie industries. In virtual and augmented reality, a real-time understanding of detailed hand pose allows compelling interactions. For performance, musicians and other artists can manipulate shape intuitively to provide expressive control of key systems.

To better understand the positions of systems with multiple joints, some systems have used a bend sensor per joint, or at each point of articulation. There are challenges with this approach that limit its practicality. For example, the bend sensors have to be custom fitted for the spacing between joints. The need for fitting for the spacing can be problematic for tracking human motion because of size variation in people.

Additionally, there is the problem of cascaded error from the joint measurements. For example, the angle of each successive segment of a finger may be determined as the sum of the joint angles to that segment. Thus, any errors in the angle measurements taken for each of the preceding joints accumulate. Therefore, robot arms use extremely high precision angular encoders to find a modestly precise position. Unfortunately, inexpensive bend sensors have poor angular precision making them inadequate for understanding the impacts of cascaded joint error.

Systems have attempted to overcome this shortcoming by using cameras and other sensing techniques to directly measure finger positions. Camera-based techniques are challenged by the difficulty of finding good viewpoints from which to view what is happening. Other position sensor systems can be bulky and/or expensive. Inertial tracking can be used but it has severe drift issues.

There are also Fiber Bragg Grating sensors that permit measuring bends along the length of a fiber bundle and can recover detailed shapes of a particular geometry. These sensors are difficult to make and require significant, bulky instrumentation and complex calibration. Further, they are expensive and impractical for most applications.

Most of the prior work uses sensors that give a single measure of bend. To sense complex curves, one can employ a series of single bend sensors, building a model of connected joints. This works best when the underlying thing to be sensed is well modelled as a series of linkages. However, placement of the sensors requires an a priori understanding of the joint locations. For example, when modelling human joints such as a finger, there is significant variation in location from person to person, precluding a general solution.

Complex curves may require a large number of single bend sensors to provide an adequate understanding of shape. Unfortunately, each additional bend sensor contributes measurement error, which accumulates to progressively degrade the overall accuracy of the system. This severely limits the maximum number of single bend sensors that can reasonably be employed.

Recently, machine learning approaches have been applied to understanding the output of systems with many single bend sensors. While these systems have the potential to combine the readings from large numbers of single bend sensors such that error does not accumulate in such a direct fashion, they require extensive training. It is also unclear if any reduction in accumulated error comes from imposing constraints that make the system less general.

The most common way of detecting flexure is by measuring the changing properties of a material under strain. Spectra Symbols' Flex sensor is an example. Strain is a problematic proxy for flexure. Stretching, environmental conditions, and other factors can induce strain that cannot be easily distinguished from that due to bending. Continual strain cycles can also cause material fatigue.

The most common strain-based bend sensors are resistive, optical including Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors, piezoelectric or capacitive. We consider each of these and discuss their operation. Resistive bend sensors are similar to resistive strain gauges but are optimized for much larger bends. A layer of resistive material is placed on a flexible substrate and undergoes strain as the sensor is bent. A bend away from the side with the resistive material causes tensile strain, increasing the resistance.

Resistive sensors suffer from significant drift due to fatigue, aging of materials and environmental conditions, and require constant recalibration to achieve even modest accuracy. Because they provide only a single measure of bend, they cannot distinguish shape for complex curves. For example, in the case of monitoring finger bend, the sensor cannot distinguish flexure at different joints from one another. Although resistive bend sensors have many limitations, they are quite inexpensive and easy to interface to, allowing use in many applications. The best known of these is the Nintendo PowerGlove, an early consumer hand pose interface device used for gaming, has embedded commercial flex sensors into both soft and rigid materials to create different control interactions like switches or sliders. Inkjet printing has been used to form customized shapes to create game controllers and toys in two and three dimensions.

Fiber Optic Shape Sensors (FOSS) are comprised of flexible tubes with reflective interior walls which have a light transmitter and receiver at opposite ends. FOSS recover the bend shape by measuring changes in intensity, phase, polarization or wavelength of the light while the flexible tube is bent.

Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors employ an optical fiber that has been processed to create a grating that interacts with light of a specific wavelength. As the fiber is bent, the grating is mechanically expanded or compressed, which shifts the wavelength of interest. Generally, a tunable laser is used to scan for the new wavelength of the deformed grating. Different wavelength grating patterns can be placed at different locations along the fiber, allowing the degree of bending to be independently measured at each location.

FOSS can be extremely thin and light weight with little restriction on the length of the sensor. They are relatively precise and immune to electromagnetic inferences. While these sensors can provide impressive performance, it comes at a very high price. A tunable laser interrogator may cost as much as USD$10,000—a cost that severely limits the practical applications. While the fiber can be quite thin, the interrogators tend to be large and power hungry. They require complex fabrication process and calibration as well as sophisticated signal processing. They have a restricted range of measurement for curvatures and fall into non-linearity very quickly. These reasons limit their use cases to very specific applications like medical devices but not for daily human routines.

Piezoelectric bend sensors are based on deformation and strain in piezo materials. Such deformations change the surface charge density of the material and cause charge transfer between the electrodes. The amplitude and frequency of the signal is directly proportional to the applied mechanical stress. Piezoelectric sensors, similar to triboelectric sensors, suffer from drift and only provide signal while in motion. This limits their application to dynamic bending only and not static or low-frequency deformations.

Most resistive strain sensors have high-latency and are unable to measure the absolute angles of bend. The hysteresis properties of conductive materials produce varying conductivity during cyclic loading. Most resistive and FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensors are non-linear in response to large strains.

An alternative to strain sensing is what we call geometric sensing. These sensors much more directly measure curvature by sensing geometric changes that are a result of bending. Examples include, measuring relative displacements of different sensor layers.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved method and apparatus for accurately determining bending through the use of sensors and to improve the accuracy of such bending.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following more particular description of embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the various views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles of the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a multibend sensor.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of different sensor strips.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a sliding and a reference sensor strip.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a reference strip wrapped around a spacer.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a sliding strip wrapped around a spacer.

FIG. 6 is another view of a sensor strip formed from a sliding strip and a reference strip.

FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating the calculations of a segment.

FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating the calculations of a segment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating using a linear segment analysis for the curves.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the determination of angles in the linear segment analysis.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the spaced electrodes.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a multiplanar multibend sensor.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of a multibend sensor employing triangular electrodes and rectangular electrodes.

FIG. 13 is another diagram of a multibend sensor employing triangular electrodes and rectangular electrodes further illustrating connections.

FIG. 14 is a diagram of a multibend sensor employing triangular electrodes and rectangular electrodes.

FIG. 15 is another diagram of a multibend sensor employing triangular electrodes and rectangular electrodes.

FIG. 16 is another diagram of a multibend sensor employing triangular electrodes and rectangular electrodes.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the use of parallel strips with a camera chip.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an electrode pattern for a sensor that is able to determine wrapping.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of mechanical multibend sensor.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a multibend sensor and a finger.

FIG. 21 is a view of a finger on a multibend sensor.

FIG. 22 is a top-down view of a finger on a multibend sensor.

FIG. 23 is a diagram of a finger and multibend sensor.

FIG. 24 is another diagram of a finger and multibend sensor.

FIG. 25 is another diagram of a finger and multibend sensor.

FIG. 26 is another diagram of a finger and multibend sensor.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a multibend sensor with a plurality of fingers.

FIG. 28 is a side view of a multibend sensor with a plurality of fingers.

FIG. 29 is a detailed view of a finger and multibend sensor.

FIG. 30 is a diagram of a finger and multibend sensor.

FIG. 31A shows a top view of a sliding strip, a reference strip, and a spacer strip of a multibend sensor.

FIG. 31B shows a side view of the multibend sensor of FIG. 31A.

FIG. 32A is a perspective view of a multibend sensor.

FIG. 32B is a side view of the multibend sensor of FIG. 32A.

FIG. 33A illustrates a multibend sensor in a flat position.

FIG. 33B illustrates a multibend sensor in a bent position.

FIG. 33C illustrates representative electrode positions when a multibend sensor is in a flat position and in a bent position.

FIG. 34 is a schematic cutaway side view of a single bend sensor.

FIG. 35 is a diagram of a multibend sensor with non-uniform electrode spacing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application describes various embodiments of multibend sensors and methods for making such sensors. Embodiments and techniques described herein allow for the accurate measurement of complex curves. In an embodiment, a multibend sensor detects multiple bends. In an embodiment, a multibend sensor measures over many points. In an embodiment, the multibend sensor detects multiple bends along the length of the sensor and uses measurements taken to create an accurate determination of its current shape.

Unlike previous systems that measured angles independently at multiple points, by measuring the relative shift, it can be shown that measurement errors at one point do not impact the understanding of the angles at other points. By measuring at many points, the relative shift between flexible strips as they are bent into a complex fashion, the shape of the multibend sensor can be determined. Unlike the previous systems that measured angles independently at multiple points thereby accumulating error, by measuring shift, measurement errors at one point do not impact the understanding of absolute angle at other points. This makes embodiments described herein less sensitive to measurement error.

In an embodiment, the multibend sensor comprises two flat, flexible strips. In an embodiment, the multibend sensor comprises three triangular, flexible strips. As used herein and throughout the application “strip” means a piece of material that is generally longer in one dimension or axis than in its other dimensions or axes. A strip may be rectangular shaped, cylindrical shaped, triangular shaped or generally have an amorphous shape, provided one dimension is longer than the other(s). In an embodiment, one of the strips is a reference strip and the other strip is a sliding strip. In an embodiment, one of the strips is both a reference strip and a sliding strip at the same time or changes between the two at different times. In an embodiment, one of the strips comprises at least two reference strips. In an embodiment, one of the strips comprises at least two sliding strips. While the strips are referred to as reference strips and sliding strips it should be understood that the roles of reference strip and sliding strip are interchangeable.

In an embodiment, a reference strip and a sliding strip are separated by a spacer and mechanically joined on one end. The lengths of the reference strip and the sliding strip are substantially the same. A plurality of retainers can ensure that the strips remain pressed against the spacer so that the distance between the strips remains substantially constant when being used. At measurement points along the reference strip, that can be determined by a variety of different methods, the corresponding location on the sliding strip can be measured. When the multibend sensor is straight, the strips line up.

In an embodiment, a multibend sensor is a capacitive sensor. As will be noted by those skilled in the art, capacitive bend sensors work either by material strain or displacement between sensor layers. Either way the geometric changes vary the effective overlapping surface areas for capacitive coupling and/or the spacing between conductors as a function of the bending angle. Capacitive sensors can be more linear than other techniques. They are inexpensive to produce and more stable than resistive sensors.

In an embodiment, a multibend sensor is a low cost, precise, dynamic sensor for sensing bends and reconstructing the detailed shape of curves. In an embodiment, a multibend sensor comprises a stack of flexible strips that can be formed into complex curves in a plane. In an embodiment, a multibend sensor measures curvature by noting the relative shift between inner and outer layers of the sensor at many points.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, shown is an embodiment of a multibend sensor 10. FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of the multibend sensor 10. In the embodiment shown, the multibend sensor 10 has a sliding strip 12 and a reference strip 14. FIG. 2 shows a top view of the reference strip 14 and a bottom view of the sliding strip 12. The sliding strip 12 is secured to the reference strip 14 at a distal end 16 of the reference strip 14. In the embodiment shown there is a spacer 18 located between the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14. In an embodiment, a multibend sensor 10 has multiple spacers 18. Additionally shown are retainers 22 that retain the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 against the spacer 18.

Operably connected to the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 is circuitry 24 that is adapted to receive and process measurements that occur. In the embodiment shown, the circuitry 24 may comprise components, or be operably connected to components, such as processors, signal generators, receivers, connectors, etc.

The sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 may be formed from flexible printed circuit board strips. While the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 are shown having specific electrode patterns, it should be understood that the roles of each of the respective strips may be changed and that the sliding strip 12 may function as the reference strip 14 and vice versa depending on the particular implementation. Electrodes 20 may be placed on the surfaces of the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14. The electrodes 20 are adapted to transmit and receive signals. The electrodes 20 may be arranged in any pattern that is capable of determining a change during the bending of the sliding strips 12 and the reference strip 14. Additionally, the number, size and shape of the electrodes 20 implemented on sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 may be changed based on a particular implementation. In an embodiment, the circuitry 24 is operably connected to the electrodes 20. The circuitry 24 processes the signals received from the electrodes 20 to measure the relative shift between the electrodes in the different strips as the strips are formed into curves.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 are flexible and able to move and bend. Additionally, the spacer 18, which is placed between the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14, is flexible and able to move and bend. In an embodiment, the spacer 18 may have different levels of flexibility with respect to the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14. In an embodiment, the sliding strip 12, the reference strip 14 and the spacer 18 may each have different levels of flexibility. In an embodiment, there is no spacer 18 and the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 move with respect to each other.

The spacer 18 used in the embodiments preferably keeps the strips spaced at a constant distance regardless of the amount of bending, yet still permits relative sliding. Spacer 18 preferably has a thickness that is able to permit there to be differences between the lengths of the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 when there is bending. In an embodiment, there may be no spacer and the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 may be abutting each other, however there should still be sufficient distance between the outward facing sides to permits sensing of the relative shift between the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 during a bend. In an embodiment, the spacer 18 may have the same flexibility as the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14. A thick spacer 18 will provide a good amount of shift, but the spacer 18 itself may change thickness with a tight bend. A thin spacer 18 will have this issue less but may not provide adequate shifting. In an embodiment, the spacer 18 may be made out of a series of thin layers which slide against each other. This allows a thick spacer 18 to have fairly tight bends without changing overall thickness.

Having a known spacing between the reference layer and sliding layers assists in obtaining accurate data. Ensuring the spacing can be accomplished by different methods. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 1, retainers 22 can be affixed to one strip and provide compressive force to the other strip that slides against it as shown. The retainers 22 may be plastic or elastic pieces that provide a compressive force to the reference strip 14 and the sliding strip 12. The compressive force should be such that it maintains the distance but does not inhibit movement of the reference strip 14 and the sliding strip 12. In an embodiment, elastomeric sleeves can be used to achieve the same task, providing compressive force.

At the end portion 16, the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 are secured together. In an embodiment, the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 are mechanically attached together. In an embodiment, the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 are integrally secured to each together. In an embodiment, the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 are secured at a location other than the distal end. In an embodiment, the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 are secured in the middle of the strip. Elsewhere along the lengths of the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14, the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 slide with respect to each other. The sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 also slide against the spacer 18 relative to each other. The retainers 22 ensure that the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 remain pressed against the spacer 18 so as to keep a constant distance between them. Circuitry 24 and electrical connections between the strips are outside of the sensing area where the bending occurs. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the circuitry 24 is located proximate to end portion 16 where the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 are joined. The sliding strip 12 and the reference strips 14 contain patterns of electrodes 20 that will allow the electronics to detect the relative shift between the two strips at many locations by measuring the coupling from electrodes 20 on the sliding strip 12 and the electrodes 20 on the reference strip 14 through the spacer 18.

The embodiment discussed above may be made using the materials and techniques implemented to create flexible circuits. Flexible circuits may start with a flexible, insulating substrate such as polyimide. A thin conducting layer (such as copper, silver, gold, carbon, or some other suitably conducting material) is adhered to the substrate with an adhesive. In an embodiment, the conducting layer is patterned using photolithographic techniques. In an embodiment, the conducting layer is applied by sputtering. In an embodiment, the conducting layer is applied by printing. When applied via printing, conductive ink can be directly patterned onto the substrate.

Similar to rigid printed circuit boards (PCBs), flexible circuits can be manufactured to include multiple conductive layers, separated by insulators. Vias may provide connections among the different layers. Like rigid PCBs, standard electrical components may be affixed to flexible circuits using soldering and other well-known techniques. However, because some components are not flexible, flexing their attachments may lead to broken electrical connections. For this reason, flexible circuits may employ stiffeners in the area of components, so that the region of the circuit does not appreciably flex. For similar reasons, flexible circuits tend not to place vias in regions that are actually bending since the stresses in those areas may sometimes lead to breakage.

Many electrode patterns for the multibend sensor can benefit from the use of interlayer connections in bending regions. Dupont® has developed special conductive inks that are explicitly designed to withstand repeated flexure. However other suitable flexible conductive inks may be used as well. These inks can be implemented in the multibend sensors discussed herein. Flexible inks permit flexible connections between conductive layers, serving the role of vias. It should be noted that these flexible conductive inks are compatible with a wide range of substrates, including fabric. This allows for the construction of multibend sensors that are directly integrated into clothing. Additionally, in an embodiment clothing is made from fibers that function as multibend sensors. When implementing multibend sensor fibers stiffeners may be added in order to restrict the movement of the multibend sensor fibers.

In the following discussion, a multibend sensor comprising a sliding strip and a reference strip may be analogized to a pair of measuring tapes of length L, separated by a spacer of thickness t as shown in FIG. 3. Similar to the binding of a book, in an embodiment, the strips are joined together on one end. In an embodiment, when the strips are in a flat orientation, the imaginary distance markings of the measuring tapes perfectly align. However, if the pair is formed around a cylinder of radius r, the inner tape measure will be formed into a circular arc of radius r, while the outer tape measure will be formed into a circular arc of radius r+t (as shown in FIG. 5 and discussed in more detail below). Because they are conjoined on one end, the zero markings of the two tape measures will still align, but the other markings will get progressively misaligned. This is because it takes more tape to subtend the same angle on a larger radius. In an embodiment, when a multibend sensor is formed around a circular arc, the radius r can be calculated knowing only the spacing and the relative shift between the tape measures. In an embodiment, relative shift can similarly be measured at many points along the sensor, each allowing us to measure the curvature of successive segments. In this way, we can measure complex curves that are well modelled as a series of circular arcs.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, when the multibend sensor is wrapped around an object in a circle, the inner of the two strips conforms to the circle, while the outer strip conforms to a slightly larger circle due to the thickness of the spacer 18.

Because the two strips have different radii of curvature, the unconstrained ends will not align with each other. By knowing the length of the strips, sliding strip 12 and reference strip 14 and the thickness of the spacer 18, the radii can directly be calculated. If the relative shift between the two strips is measured at many places, a model of the bend as a series of circular arcs can be constructed. This provides a much better understanding of the shape of the bend as opposed to traditional sensors.

Still referring to FIGS. 3-5, to illustrate the way in which the multibend sensor works, take two strips of length L, the sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 separated by a spacer 18 of thickness t. The sliding strip 12 and the reference strip 14 are joined together at end point 16 and cannot move relative to one another at that end. When the reference strip 14 is wrapped into a circle of radius r as shown in FIG. 4, the reference strip 14 will have a radius of curvature of r, while the sliding strip 12 will have a smaller radius of r−t.

The circumference of the circle is 2πr. The reference strip 14, which is of length L, covers a fraction of the circle:

$\frac{L}{2\pi r}$

To put it in terms of radians, the angle subtended by this strip is:

${\theta }_r=\frac{L}{r}$

As shown in the diagram, when curled in the direction of the thickness measurement t, the sliding strip 12 ends up on the inside, with a smaller radius of curvature. The tighter wrap means that some of the sliding strip 12 extends beyond the end of the reference strip 14. If this continues along a circle of the same radius, the sliding strip 12 subtends an angle of:

${\theta }_s=\frac{L}{r-t}$

The end of the reference strip 14 lines up with a corresponding point 30 on the inner sliding strip 12. To give a more precise definition, it is the intersection point on the sliding strip 12 to the normal constructed through the endpoint of the reference strip 14.

This point can be found on the sliding strip 12 by finding the difference in the angular extent of the two arcs, finding the extending length s_s and subtracting this from the total length L.

${\theta }_s-{\theta }_r=\frac{L}{\left(r-t\right)}-\frac{L}{r}=\frac{Lt}{r\left(r-t\right)}$

The length of the segment s_s of the sliding strip 12 that extends past the reference strip 14 can be found by dividing the angular extent in radians by 27r to find the fraction of the circle and multiplying by the circumference.

$s_s=\frac{Lt}{r\left(r-t\right)}\frac{1}{2\pi }2\pi \left(r-t\right)=L\frac{t}{r}$

Solving these equations for the radius r gives:

$r=t\frac{L}{s_s}$

By measuring the relative shift between the strips, the radius of curvature across the length can be calculated using this simple equation.

Now consider the case where bending occurs in a clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 5.

The analysis proceeds much as before, but now the sliding strip 12 is on the outside, with a radius of curvature of r+t.

${\theta }_r=\frac{L}{r}$ ${\theta }_s=\frac{L}{r+t}$

As before, the goal is to locate the corresponding point 31 on the sliding strip 12 that corresponds to the endpoint of the reference strip 14. However, because the sliding strip 12 is on the outside and thus subtends a smaller angle the arc has to be continued to find the intersecting point. s_s is calculated by finding the angle subtended and the corresponding length on the sliding strip 12.

${\theta }_r-{\theta }_s=\frac{L}{r}-\frac{L}{\left(r+t\right)}=\frac{Lt}{r\left(r+t\right)}$ $s_s=\frac{Lt}{r\left(r+t\right)}\frac{1}{2\pi }2\pi \left(r+t\right)=L\frac{t}{r}$

This is the same result as obtained in the counterclockwise case. The difference here is that s_s in the first case is the amount the sliding strip 12 extended past the reference strip 14, and in this case, it is the amount extra that would be needed to reach the end of the reference strip 14.

To combine these two cases, consider the radius of curvature to be a signed quantity, with a positive r indicating an arc which proceeds in a counterclockwise direction and a negative r indicating a clockwise direction.

A new variable, L_s is defined as the total length along the sliding strip 12 to line up with the end of the reference strip 14. The signed radius of curvature is:

$r=t\frac{L}{L-L_s}$

In FIG. 4, L_s<L, gave a positive radius of curvature. In FIG. 5, L_s>L, gives a negative radius of curvature. The signed radius of curvature is then used to find the signed angular extent of the reference strip.

${\theta }_r=\frac{L}{r}=\frac{L-L_s}{t}$

In the following, all angles and radii of curvature are signed.

Reconstructing the Curve from Shift Measurements

In an embodiment, the multibend sensor models shape as a series of circular arcs of different radii to allow for complex curves. By measuring the relative shift at many points along the strips, the curvature of each segment can be quickly determined.

The multibend sensor 10 shown in FIG. 6 comprises a sliding strip 12 and a reference strip 14. Finding the shape of the reference strip 14 is the goal. At fixed intervals along the reference strip the corresponding shifted position along the sliding strip 12 is measured. By corresponding, it is meant that points that lie at the same angle with respect to the common center of the radius of curvature are used. Another way to say this is that if a normal to the curve of the reference strip 14 is constructed at the measurement point, a measurement will be made where it intersects the sliding strip 12.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, a single circular arc segment that spans from n to n+1 (segment n) on both the reference strip 14 and sliding strip 12 is provided as an example. Segment n is shaped into a circular arc of radius r[n] in a counterclockwise direction. Thus, the reference strip 14 has radius r[n] while the sliding strip is inside with a smaller radius of r[n]−t. Starting angle θ[n] is the tangent at the beginning of the arc. The ending angle is the tangent to the arc at its end, θ[n+1]. Similar to the calculation above, L_r[n] is the length of the reference strip 14 to measurement point n. L_s[n] is the length of the sliding strip 12 to measurement point n. On the side of the reference strip 14, the segment begins at L_r[n] and ends at L_r[n+1]. Similarly, the corresponding sliding strip 12 extends from L[n] to L[n+1]. The signed radius of curvature and the signed angular extent of the reference strip 14 segment can be found.

We define the length of the reference strip 14 in segment n as:

ΔL_r[n]=L_r[n+1]−L_r[n]

and the length of the corresponding sliding strip as:

ΔL_s[n]=L_s[n+1]−L_s[n]

Similarly, we define the total subtended angle of this segment as:

Δθ[n]=θ[n+1]−θ[n]

For the case of positive curvature (r[n]>0 and Δθ[n]>0), the sliding strip 12 is shaped into a tighter curve than the reference strip 14. Thus, ΔL_s[n]<ΔL_r[n], even though they subtend the same angle, Δθ[n]. Working in radians, the length of the reference segment is:

ΔL_r[n]=r[n]Δθ[n]

and the length of the corresponding sliding segment is:

ΔL_s[n]=(r[n]−t)Δθ[n]

Given the two lengths and the spacer thickness, we can solve for the radius of curvature of this segment:

$r\left[n\right]=\frac{t\Delta L_s\left[n\right]}{\Delta L_r\left[n\right]-\Delta L_s\left[n\right]}$

This same equation applies when the curve proceeds clockwise, giving a negative ending angle and negative radius of curvature. We can also solve for the subtended angle of the arc:

$\Delta \theta \left[n\right]=\frac{\Delta L_r\left[n\right]-\Delta L_s\left[n\right]}{t}$

A series of circular arcs of known length, angular extent, and radius of curvature is now known. This series can be pieced together to model the complete curve of the reference strip 14. It will be noted that, in an embodiment, multibend sensors have continuous flexure along their length and, thus, they are inherently continuous in their first derivative. Therefore, to maintain a continuous first derivative from segment to segment, the tangents of adjoining segments match. To put this another way, the ending angle of each segment matches the starting angle of the next segment.

Consider a single arc as shown in FIG. 7B. A starting angle 72, θ[n], and an ending angle 74, θ[n+1], which are tangent to the arc at its endpoints can be determined. It can be presumed that sequential segments connect smoothly—i.e., that the derivative is continuous at the point of connection. This is why the connection points are described by a single tangent angle.

The arc begins at a known starting point 71, (x[n], y[n]), and at an initial known angle 72 of θ[n] and proceeds to an unknown ending point 73, (x[n+1], y[n+1]), at an unknown ending angle 74 of [n+1].

The change in angle from starting point to the ending point is just the turning of the segment angle, Δθ[n]. To find the x, y translation, the increment in x and y over the arc is added to the previous point. For convenience, the center of the radius of curvature of the arc is considered to be at the origin and used to calculate endpoint positions. The difference in these is then applied to the known starting point.

For this calculation, the angles from the center that form the arc are known. The normal to θ[n] is

$\theta \left[n\right]-\frac{\pi }{2}.$

For an arc radius of curvature, this gives the angle pointing out from the center of the radius of curvature. If the radius of curvature is negative, it points in the opposite direction. This results in a sign flip that is corrected by using the signed radius of curvature. The endpoints can then be found iteratively via these equations:

$x\left[n+1\right]=x\left[n\right]+r\left[n\right]\cos \left(\theta \left[n+1\right]-\frac{\pi }{2}\right)-r\left[n\right]\cos \left(\theta \left[n\right]-\frac{\pi }{2}\right)$ $y\left[n+1\right]=y\left[n\right]+r\left[n\right]\sin \left(\theta \left[n+1\right]-\frac{\pi }{2}\right)-r\left[n\right]\sin \left(\theta \left[n\right]-\frac{\pi }{2}\right)$

These equations can be slightly simplified using trig identities.

x[n+1]=x[n]+r[n](sin(θ[n+1])−sin(θ[n]))

y[n+1]=y[n]+r[n](cos(θ[n])— cos(θ[n+1]))

These equations describe the series of circular arcs that model the bend. A circular arc is typically described by its center 75, (C_x[n], C_y[n]), its radius of curvature 76, r[n], a starting angle, and an angular extent 77, θ_r[n].

The center of an arc segment can be found by starting at (x[n], y[n]), and following the radius to the arc center (C_x[n], C_y[n]). The starting angle is found from the normal at the point (x[n], y[n]), which is

$\theta \left[n\right]-\frac{\pi }{2}.$

The center is then:

$C_x\left[n\right]=x\left[n\right]+r\left[n\right]\cos \left(\theta \left[n\right]-\frac{\pi }{2}\right)=x\left[n\right]+r\left[n\right]\sin \left(\theta \left[n\right]\right)$ $C_y\left[n\right]=y\left[n\right]+r\left[n\right]\sin \left(\theta \left[n\right]-\frac{\pi }{2}\right)=y\left[n\right]-r\left[n\right]\cos \left(\theta \left[n\right]\right)$

Note that the use of the signed radius of curvature ensures following the normal to the center.

The starting angle is:

$\left(\theta \left[n\right]-\frac{\pi }{2}\right)\mathrm{sign}\left(r\left[n\right]\right)$

The sign is needed to flip the angle if the arc proceeds clockwise. The extent of the arc is θ_r[n], which is also a signed value.

Sensitivity to Measurement Error

Any real measurement of shift will be imperfect, making it important to understand how measurement errors impact the accuracy of the modelled curve. In jointed arms, noisy measurements of joint angles quickly accumulate, causing significant errors in the final position of the end effector. For instance, on multi-axis robot arms, position is usually determined via a series of encoders—one on each joint. High precision encoders are typically required because any errors in each joint measurement accumulate. For a planar arm, the angular error at the end of the arm is simply the sum of all the measurement errors in each joint. The location error of the endpoint is also wildly impacted by all of the joint errors-particularly the ones at the beginning of the arm.

Measurement errors in the multibend sensor are more forgiving. In an embodiment, error propagation is mitigated because measurement errors for each arc are not independent.

Consider the case of a single shift measurement error at the nth point. Compared to the ideal, the shifted point will cause an error in the radius of curvature of two adjacent segments. The error on one segment will be one direction, while the error on the other segment will be in the opposite direction, tending to cancel things out to first order. This property, of segment errors tending to create somewhat compensating errors, holds in general and is a consequence of the shift measurements which give the total accumulated shift to that point.

To show the sensitivity to error, take the example of two successive segments with the coordinates:

(x[0]=0,y[0]=0),(x[1],y[1]),(x[2],y[2])

Ideal measurements for L_r[n] and L_s[n] are given. However, L_s[1] will be perturbed by a measurement error of δ. How this error propagates to (x[2], y[2]) is then found.

In the unperturbed case (and noting that θ[0]=0):

$x\left[1\right]=x\left[0\right]+r\left[n\right]\left(\sin \left(\theta \left[1\right]\right)-\sin \left(0\right)\right)=x\left[0\right]+r\left[n\right]\sin \left(\theta \left[1\right]\right)$ $y\left[1\right]=y\left[0\right]+r\left[n\right]\left(\cos \left(0\right)-\cos \left(\theta \left[1\right]\right)\right)=y\left[0\right]+r\left[n\right]\left(1-\cos \left(\theta \left[1\right]\right)\right)$ $r\left[n\right]=t\frac{L_r\left[n+1\right]-L_r\left[n\right]}{\left(L_r\left[n+1\right]-L_r\left[n\right]\right)-\left(L_s\left[n+1\right]-L_s\left[n\right]\right)}$ ${\theta }_r\left[n\right]=\frac{\left(L_r\left[n+1\right]-L_r\left[n\right]\right)-\left(L_s\left[n+1\right]-L_s\left[n\right]\right)}{t}$ $\theta \left[n+1\right]=\theta \left[n\right]+{\theta }_r\left[n\right]$

Equally spaced measurement points, 1 unit apart are presumed.

L _r[n+1]−L_r[n]=1 for all n

Apostrophes are used to indicate the variables for the case with measurement error δ at L_s[1]. This allows the resulting angles with and without mid-point measurement error to be.

$r\left[0\right]=t\frac{1}{1-\left(L_s\left[1\right]\right)}$ $r^{\prime }\left[0\right]=t\frac{1}{1-\left(L_s\left[1\right]+\delta \right)}$ $r\left[1\right]=t\frac{1}{1-\left(L_s\left[2\right]-L_s\left[1\right]\right)}$ $r^{\prime }\left[1\right]=t\frac{1}{1-\left(L_s\left[2\right]-L_s\left[1\right]-\delta \right)}$ ${\theta }_r\left[0\right]=\frac{1-L_s\left[1\right]}{t}$ ${\theta }_r^{\prime }\left[0\right]=\frac{1-\left(L_s\left[1\right]+\delta \right)}{t}$ ${\theta }_r\left[1\right]=\frac{1-\left(L_s\left[2\right]-L_s\left[1\right]\right)}{t}$ ${\theta }_r^{\prime }\left[1\right]=\frac{1-\left(L_s\left[2\right]-L_s\left[1\right]-\delta \right)}{t}$ $\theta \left[0\right]=0$ $\theta \left[1\right]={\theta }_r\left[0\right]=\frac{1-L_s\left[1\right]}{t}$ ${\theta }^{\prime }\left[1\right]={\theta }_r^{\prime }\left[0\right]=\frac{1-\left(L_s\left[1\right]+\delta \right)}{t}$ $\theta \left[2\right]=\theta \left[1\right]+{\theta }_r\left[1\right]=\frac{1-L_s\left[1\right]}{t}+\frac{1-\left(L_s\left[2\right]-L_s\left[1\right]\right)}{t}=\frac{2-L_s\left[2\right]}{t}$ ${\theta }^{\prime }\left[2\right]={\theta }^{\prime }\left[1\right]+{\theta }_r^{\prime }\left[1\right]=\frac{1-\left(L_s\left[1\right]+\delta \right)}{t}+\frac{1-\left(L_s\left[2\right]-L_s\left[1\right]-\delta \right)}{t}=\frac{2-L_s\left[2\right]}{t}$

This shows that the ending angle after two arcs is unimpacted by a misreading in the middle point. The angle error does not propagate.

The error in the point locations is considered.

$x\left[n+1\right]=x\left[n\right]+r\left[n\right]\left(\sin \left(\theta \left[n+1\right]\right)-\sin \left(\theta \left[n\right]\right)\right)$ $y\left[n+1\right]=y\left[n\right]+r\left[n\right]\left(\cos \left(\theta \left[n\right]\right)-\cos \left(\theta \left[n+1\right]\right)\right)$ $x\left[1\right]=r\left(\sin \left(\theta \left[1\right]\right)\right)=t\frac{1}{1-\left(L_s\left[1\right]\right)}\sin \left(\frac{1-L_s\left[1\right]}{t}\right)$ $y\left[1\right]=r\left(1-\cos \left(\theta \left[1\right]\right)\right)=t\frac{1}{1-\left(L_s\left[1\right]\right)}\left(1-\cos \left(\frac{1-L_s\left[1\right]}{t}\right)\right)$ $x^{\prime }\left[1\right]=r^{\prime }\left(\sin \left({\theta }^{\prime }\left[1\right]\right)\right)=t\frac{1}{1-\left(L_s\left[1\right]+\delta \right)}\sin \left(\frac{1-\left(L_s\left[1\right]+\delta \right)}{t}\right)$ $y^{\prime }\left[1\right]=r^{\prime }\left(1-\cos \left({\theta }^{\prime }\left[1\right]\right)\right)=t\frac{1}{1-\left(L_s\left[1\right]+\delta \right)}\left(1-\cos \left(\frac{1-\left(L_s\left[1\right]+\delta \right)}{t}\right)\right)$ $x\left[2\right]=x\left[1\right]+r\left[1\right]\left(\sin \left(\theta \left[2\right]\right)-\sin \left(\theta \left[1\right]\right)\right)=t\frac{1}{1-\left(L_s\left[1\right]\right)}\sin \left(\frac{1-L_s\left[1\right]}{t}\right)+t\frac{1}{1-\left(L_s\left[2\right]-L_s\left[1\right]\right)}\left(\sin \left(\frac{2-L_s\left[2\right]}{t}\right)-\sin \left(\frac{1-L_s\left[1\right]}{t}\right)\right)$ $y\left[2\right]=y\left[1\right]+r\left[1\right]\left(\cos \left(\theta \left[1\right]\right)-\cos \left(\theta \left[2\right]\right)\right)=t\frac{1}{1-\left(L_s\left[1\right]\right)}\left(1-\cos \left(\frac{1-L_s\left[1\right]}{t}\right)\right)+t\frac{1}{1-\left(L_s\left[2\right]-L_s\left[1\right]\right)}\left(\cos \left(\frac{1-L_s\left[1\right]}{t}\right)-\cos \left(\frac{2-L_s\left[2\right]}{t}\right)\right)$ $x^{\prime }\left[2\right]=x^{\prime }\left[1\right]+r^{\prime }\left[1\right]\left(\sin \left({\theta }^{\prime }\left[2\right]\right)-\sin \left({\theta }^{\prime }\left[1\right]\right)\right)=t\frac{1}{1-\left(L_s\left[1\right]+\delta \right)}\sin \left(\frac{1-\left(L_s\left[1\right]+\delta \right)}{t}\right)+t\frac{1}{1-\left(L_s\left[2\right]-L_s\left[1\right]-\delta \right)}\left(\sin \left(\frac{2-L_s\left[2\right]}{t}\right)-\sin \left(\frac{1-\left(L_s\left[1\right]+\delta \right)}{t}\right)\right)$ $y^{\prime }\left[2\right]=y^{\prime }\left[1\right]+r^{\prime }\left[1\right]\left(\cos \left({\theta }^{\prime }\left[1\right]\right)-\cos \left({\theta }^{\prime }\left[2\right]\right)\right)=t\frac{1}{1-\left(L_s\left[1\right]+\delta \right)}\left(1-\cos \left(\frac{1-\left(L_s\left[1\right]+\delta \right)}{t}\right)\right)+t\frac{1}{1-\left(L_s\left[2\right]-L_s\left[1\right]-\delta \right)}\left(\cos \left(\frac{1-\left(L_s\left[1\right]+\delta \right)}{t}\right)-\cos \left(\frac{2-L_s\left[2\right]}{t}\right)\right)$

Using these equations, the endpoint error under different conditions can be plotted. It is clear that position error at the end of the first segment is somewhat compensated for by an oppositely signed error in the next segment.

Further consider the case of a multibend sensor with two measurement points. The curvature of the first segment is found by determining the relative shift at the first measurement point. In this example, the measurement is corrupted by noise and an incorrectly low shift reading is recorded. The relative shift of the second segment is then found by taking the total shift at the second measurement point and subtracting off the shift from the first measurement point. The error at the first point will now cause a corresponding error in the second segment that is opposite in sign from the error in the first segment. Thus, the two segments will end up with curvature errors that tend to cancel each other out. In an embodiment, the error in final angle is completely unimpacted by the error at the first measurement point.

To show the sensitivity to error, we revisit the example of two successive segments. We define the starting point of the curve as:

x[0]=0

y[0]=0

θ[0]=0

By definition, ΔL_r[0]=0 and L_s[0]=0. We can now calculate the ending angle of segment 0:

$\begin{array}{c}\theta \left[1\right]=\mathrm{\Delta \theta }\left[0\right]+\theta \left[0\right]\\ =\mathrm{\Delta \theta }\left[0\right]\\ =\frac{\Delta L_r\left[0\right]-\Delta L_s\left[0\right]}{t}\\ =\frac{L_r\left[1\right]-L_s\left[1\right]}{t}\end{array}$

Next, we find the ending angle of segment 1.

$\begin{array}{c}\theta \left[2\right]=\mathrm{\Delta \theta }\left[1\right]+\theta \left[1\right]\\ =\frac{\Delta L_r\left[1\right]-\Delta L_s\left[1\right]}{t}+\frac{L_r\left[1\right]-L_s\left[1\right]}{t}\\ =\frac{L_r\left[2\right]-L_s\left[2\right]}{t}\end{array}$

As can be seen, the ending angle calculation has no dependence on any earlier measurements. This means that any errors in earlier measurements do not contribute error in the ending angle of each segment.

While the embodiment and examples discussed above uses arcs in performing the analysis, other measurement techniques and analyses may be employed. In an embodiment, ellipses are used for approximating the curves. In an embodiment, analysis of the curves may be performed using parabolas. In an embodiment, splines are used for approximating a curve. In an embodiment, a polynomial function is used for approximating the curve. In an embodiment, all of the methodologies discussed herein are used in approximating the curve.

As will be noted by those skilled in the art, the above noted results prove advantageous over traditional solutions that build upon a series of angular encoders which have a practical limit on the number of encoders that can be strung together.

Another possible model of a curve is to represent it as a series of connected straight linear segments.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, for a piecewise linear model, the bends are presumed to be perfectly sharp, and occur only at fixed intervals on a reference strip 84. The sliding strip 82 will be presumed to conform to a fixed distance from the reference strip 84. This will create corresponding sharp bends for each bend of the reference strip 84. Bending towards the reference strip 84 will mean that extra length will be needed on the sliding strip 82 to conform to the new shape. Similarly, bending towards the sliding strip 82 will take less length to conform.

The calculation is begun by calculating the extra length required on the sliding strip 82 given a bend toward the reference strip 84. Looking towards FIG. 9, the multibend sensor has a bend of angle A. The vertically opposite angle is also A. The extra length of the sliding strip 82 needed to conform to the bend is shown as 2s. The two bend points bisect the bend angle. The vertically opposite angle is also

$\frac{A}{2}.$

With the right angle construction, the A−90 angle is found by subtracting the right angle. Finally the angle opposite s is computed as

$\frac{A}{2}-\left(A-90\right)$

The tangent of this angle is equal to the opposite side length (s) divided by the adjacent side length (t).

$\tan \left(\frac{A}{2}-\left(A-90\right)\right)=\frac{s}{t}$ $s=t*\tan \left(90-\frac{A}{2}\right))$ $s=t*\cot \left(\frac{A}{2}\right)$

And for the total length added:

$2s=2t*\cot \left(\frac{A}{2}\right)$

This formula is also correct for when the bend angle exceeds 180, and bends up towards the sliding strip 82. In this case the additional length is negative.

For convenience, the bending angle, B, can be defined relative to no bend being 0.

B=180−A

A=180−B

Substituting in:

$s=t*\tan \left(90-\frac{B}{2}\right)=t*\tan \left(90-\frac{\left(180-B\right)}{2}\right)=t*\tan \left(\frac{B}{2}\right)$ $2s=22*\left(\frac{B}{2}\right)$

Given a measurement of shift, the angle that would have given rise to it is calculated.

$B=2*\mathrm{arc}\tan \left(\frac{s}{t}\right)\mathrm{where}s\mathrm{is}\mathrm{the}\mathrm{half}\mathrm{shift}$

Like the circular arc model, this piecewise linear model still has the general behavior of measurement error in one shift measurement creating a complementary error in the next, partially canceling out the impact of potential additive error.

Consider an ideal measurement vs one where there is measurement error in the first segment.

$\mathrm{Ideal}\mathrm{measuremwnts}:s_1\mathrm{and}{s}_2$ $\mathrm{Measurements}\mathrm{with}\mathrm{error}:s_1+d,s_2-d$ $B_1=2*\mathrm{arc}\tan \left(\frac{s_1}{t}\right)$ $B_2=2*\mathrm{arc}\tan \left(\frac{s_2}{t}\right)$

The resulting angle of the last segment is simply the sum of the angle to that point.

$B_{total}=B_1+B_2=2*\mathrm{arc}\tan \left(\frac{s_1}{t}\right)+2*\mathrm{arc}\tan \left(\frac{s_2}{t}\right)$

Repeating the calculation with measurement error:

$B_{\mathrm{total\_err}}=2*\mathrm{arc}\tan \left(\frac{s_1}{t}+\frac{d}{t}\right)+2*\mathrm{arc}\tan \left(\frac{s_2}{t}+\frac{d}{t}\right)$

These total bends are not the same, however, it can be shown via series expansion around d=0 that the errors cancel to first order.

Capacitive Sensing Techniques

Capacitive sensing can be used with a multibend sensor and is the methodology discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-2. For example, looking to FIG. 10, a pattern of interdigitated electrodes 20 allows one to perform differential measurements by comparing the capacitance of overlapping electrodes 20 to determine relative shift. The differential nature of this measurement makes it highly insensitive to various types of error. In addition to the electrode pattern shown in FIG. 10, other electrode patterns can be implemented that will further provide measurements that can help determine the overall movement and shape of the multibend sensor.

Still referring to FIG. 10, a plurality of the electrodes 20 are adapted to transmit signals and a plurality of the electrodes 20 are adapted to receive signals from the electrodes 20 that are transmitting signals. In an embodiment, the electrodes 20 adapted to transmit signals and the electrodes 20 adapted to receive signals may be switched or alternated depending on the implementations. In an embodiment, an electrode 20 adapted to transmit a signal may, at a different time, also be adapted to receive a signal. Received signals are used in order to determine movement of one strip with respect to the other strip.

In an embodiment, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing can be used with a multibend sensor employing a plurality of electrodes 20 that are adapted to receive and transmit orthogonal signals. In an embodiment, unique frequency orthogonal signals are used. In an embodiment, a unique frequency orthogonal signal is transmitted on each of the electrodes 20 that is transmitting. Electrodes 20 that are adapted to receive signals may receive the transmitted signals and process them in order to obtain information regarding the relative shift of the reference strip with respect to the sliding strip. This can then be used to determine the shape of the curve formed by the multibend sensor.

In general, the curvature of multiple dimensions can be determined by forming a mesh of reference strips and sliding strips with each multibend sensor determining its own respective curve. After the curve of each multibend sensor is determined the entire curvature of a plane can be modeled. In an embodiment, a plurality of multibend sensors may be placed on a three dimensional object that is subject to various deformations across its 3D surface. The plurality of multibend sensors may be able to accurately determine the curving deformation of a 3D object after reconstructing curvature taken from each of the multibend sensors.

In another embodiment, the strips are replaced with fibers that are flexible in 3 dimensions. These fibers are then packed around a central reference fiber such that the outer sliding fibers move relative to the reference fiber when bent. In an embodiment, spacers maintain a constant spacing between all the fibers. The relative shifts can be measured by a variety of means, including via patterned electrodes along the fiber.

In an embodiment the sensor may be created from narrow sheets that more closely resemble a flexible wire, being able to flex outside of the plane. If two of these devices are held together, sensing in orthogonal directions, flexing in and out of the plane can be measured.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 11. This embodiment provides a multibend sensor 110 that is able to determine curvature in more than one planar direction. There is a sliding plane 112 and a reference plane 114. In FIG. 11 the planes are not shown on top of each other however, it should be understood that this is for ease of viewing the planes, sliding plane 112 and the reference plane 114 are positioned with respect to each other in a similar manner in which the strips discussed above are positioned. Electrodes 115 are placed on the sliding plane 112 and the reference plane 114. In FIG. 11, the electrodes 115 are formed as rows and columns. In an embodiment, the electrodes are formed as pads. In an embodiment, the electrodes are formed as dot antennas. There may additionally be a spacer plane placed between the sliding plane 112 and the reference plane 114 in order to establish a distance between the sliding plane 112 and the reference plane 114. In an embodiment, the reference plane 114 and the sliding plane 112 are implemented without a spacer layer with the electrodes 115 placed on the outward facing surfaces with the substrates of the planes functioning as a spacer layer. Furthermore, while there may be electrodes 115 placed on both planes, there may be transmitting electrodes placed on the sliding plane 112 and the reference plane 114 and receiving electrodes located at an interstitial region between the two planes. Also, the electrodes 115 can be either transmitting or receiving.

Still referring to FIG. 11, the sliding plane 112 and the reference plane 114 are flexible planes that are able to bend. The reference plane 114 and the sliding plane 112 are attached at various attachment points. Attachment points may be located at any location between the planes provided that they establish a reference location by which to ascertain the movement of one plane with respect to the other. In an embodiment, the attachment point may be the center location of the planes. In an embodiment, there are more than one attachment point from which relative movement of the planes is established. In an embodiment the planes are secured to each other at an edge. In an embodiment, the planes are secured at multiple points along the edge. In an embodiment, the planes are secured at points along an edge and within the area of the planes.

Turning to FIGS. 12 and 13, another embodiment of a capacitive electrode design to measure relative shift is shown. While multilayer flex circuits are widely available, there are certain limitations to design that may be imposed. A common restriction is to not allow vias on bending sections. Therefore, patterns which do not require interlayer connections in bending areas are sometimes preferred.

FIG. 12 shows two triangular electrodes 120 that form the reference strip 124, and a series of rectangular electrodes 121 formed on the sliding strip 122. By measuring the relative capacitance to the A electrode 120 and B electrode 120 for each of the rectangular electrodes 121 on the sliding strip 122, the relative position of the rectangular electrodes 121 can be determined.

This pattern shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 does not require multiple layer connections. On the reference strip 124, connections can be directly made from either end. The rectangular electrodes 121 on the sliding strip 122 can be made via bus 126 as shown in FIG. 13. In an embodiment, shielding can be employed around the rectangular electrodes 121 and the triangular electrodes 120. Shielding can assist in mitigating interference. Electrodes that are transmitting can be surrounded by ground and receiving electrodes can be driven with an active shield in order to mitigate interference.

The design shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is sensitive to slight rotations between the reference strip 124 and the sliding strip 122. For example, if the spacing is greater on the top versus the bottom, it may cause a systematic error. This can be corrected by calibration. Sensitivity can also be ameliorated by using a less sensitive pattern.

An example of a pattern with reduced sensitivity is shown in FIG. 14. The pattern shown in FIG. 14 employs additional triangular electrodes 140 placed on the reference strip 144. Rectangular electrodes 141 are placed on the sliding strip 142. The electrode pattern shown in FIG. 14 is symmetric about the centerline of the reference strip 144. This reduces the sensitivity as compared to the pattern shown in FIG. 12. The reduced sensitivity occurs because the triangular electrode 140 is further away on one side and closer on the other side. This distance roughly balances out the impact of any tilt that may exist.

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of sensor electrodes. FIG. 15 shows an arrangement of a reference strip 154 and sliding strip 152. The reference strip 154 has a plurality of triangular electrodes 150. The sliding strip 152 has a plurality of rectangular electrodes 151. In comparison to the electrode pattern shown in FIG. 12, the pattern in FIG. 15 replicates that arrangement of triangular electrodes 150. The angled pattern is replicated on a smaller scale in the neighborhood of each measurement to improve resolution. The sensor pattern shown in FIG. 15 can also be combined with shielding and symmetry techniques.

FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of sensor electrodes. FIG. 16 shows an arrangement of a reference strip 164 and sliding strip 162. The reference strip 164 has a plurality of triangular electrodes 160. The sliding strip 162 has a plurality of rectangular electrodes 161. In comparison to the electrode pattern shown in FIG. 12, the pattern in FIG. 16 replicates that arrangement of triangular electrodes 160. The angled pattern is replicated on a smaller scale in the neighborhood of each measurement so as to improve resolution. The sensor pattern shown in FIG. 16 can also be combined with shielding and symmetry techniques. When shifting causes a rectangular electrode 161 to get near the end of a triangular electrode 160, some nonlinearity will result. A way to address this is to use multiple sets of the triangular electrodes 160. The sets are shifted so that when a rectangular electrode 161 is near an edge on one triangular electrode 160, it is not at an edge on another of the triangular electrode 160.

Optical

In addition to capacitive based sensing, multibend sensors can be created using optical techniques rather than capacitive. Instead of interdigitated electrodes, optical transmitters and receivers can be used. Signals can be transmitted through an optically transmissive spacer located between a reference strip and sliding strip. Waveguide techniques permit the electronics to be placed at one end, rather than distributing them along the sensor.

Using standard flex circuit techniques, it is possible to place standard electro-optic components such as LEDs and photodiodes on a flexible strip. However, because these components are not in and of themselves flexible, local stiffening at the measurement point may be needed. Certain techniques may be used to work around the issue of local stiffening. In general, flexible electronics can be applied to the manufacture of multibend sensors (e.g., doing local electric field sensing, and reporting data back via a shared bus). In particular, the availability of OLEDs and other optic devices in a flexible form makes it possible to build distributed optical encoders along a flexible strip.

Flexible waveguides may also be employed to bring the optical signal to and from the measurement points distributed along the strips. In this way, the optoelectronics can be gathered at one location. For example, the optoelectronics can be placed at the end where the strips are joined. At this location a rigid PCB can hold the electro-optic components.

Additionally, to cut down on the required number of optical connections, multiplexing techniques can be employed. For example, each sense location could employ optical filters so that different colors of light, different polarizations, or some combination of these are active at different locations along the multibend sensors, and can be distinguished at the end with the opto-electronics.

These systems have a path for light to travel from one strip to the other. This can be accommodated several different ways. In an embodiment, the spacer may be made from transparent materials. In an embodiment, slots may be provided in the neighborhood of the measuring spots. In an embodiment, the spacer may maintain an air gap between the strips. In an embodiment, the optical fibers may have nicks that permit light to bleed from one cable to another. In an embodiment, there may be bundles of optical fibers that are tied in the middle wherein the relative shift of both ends of the bundles are able to be determined.

Referring to FIG. 17, inexpensive camera chips also can be used to make multibend sensors. These chips could be used at various points along the strips so as to measure shift. Still referring to FIG. 17, multiple, parallel sliding strips 172 are used that attach to a reference strip 174 at staggered attachment points 176. The ends of these sliding strips 172 can then extend to be observed by a camera chip 175. A single camera can thus track the motion of multiple slide strips 172 with high precision, effectively giving the same result as measuring the shift at different locations.

While flexible electronics are an option, there are other options for distributing optoelectronics along a flexible strip. In an embodiment, a rigid PCB may be attached to a flexible strip via elastic members. In this way, the strip can still bend freely, while the floating electro-optic module looks toward the encoder markings on the other flexible strip. To help maintain alignment, the electro-optic module can be designed to have a larger optical area that looks through a smaller aperture in the flexible strip. Even if the rigid PCB slightly wiggles with respect to the strip, the measurement will always be done with respect to the aperture in the strip.

When sensing shift, there is a question of how much shift must one sense before running out of range. Looking to the arrangement of receiving electrodes 182 and transmitting electrodes 184 shown in FIG. 18 an example of shifting range can be explained. In this case, there are a small number of receiving electrodes 182 that are placed on a sliding strip, and a larger number of transmitting electrodes 184 placed on a reference strip. Instead of providing unique signals on every transmitting electrode 184, signals are reused periodically. Each of the numbered transmitting electrodes 184 representing a different signal. If the shift is limited to the region of one set of transmitting electrodes 184, the position can be uniquely determined. If the shift is greater than this, the shift reading is not uniquely determined by the closest transmitting electrode 184. In this instance it could have shifted so much as to have wrapped into the next set of transmitting electrodes 184. Because a sequence of measurements is made along the strips, the combined shift from earlier segments can be seen and is likely to indicate that a wrap has occurred. Because incremental unwrapping can occur, the constraint is not on any particular receiving electrode 182 staying within range of one set of transmitting electrodes 184. It is only limited by the ability to unwrap. If it is known that the number of transmitting electrodes 184 between successive receiving electrodes 182 is limited to +/− half the number of receiving electrodes 182 nominally between transmitting electrodes 184 one can uniquely determine the position of the next segment because it is known which transmitting electrodes 184 could be within the range of the previous segment. More sophisticated techniques can extend this even further for example, by making assumptions about higher order derivatives. Although this technique is explained in the context of a capacitive sensor, the same technique can be applied to other embodiments. Using the optical multistrip setup, instead of just detecting an end, the strip can have repeated variations which are detected and analyzed to find a precise position. It is possible to use calibration targets with many edges to allow the positions to be determined by combining data of all of them.

Other Methodologies

Above, capacitive and optical techniques were discussed, however, other mechanisms may be employed. For example, similar to a potentiometer, one strip can serve as a distributed resistor, and the other may have multiple wipers that make contact at numerous points along the resistive strip. The voltage at each wiper can be arranged to indicate the relative position along the resistive strip. A resistive strip is located on one strip, and a voltage placed across it. This creates a voltage gradient along the strip that is position dependent. Wipers along the top strip make sliding contact with the strip, sensing the voltage at their location. The wrapping detection discussed above can be achieved by having a separate potentiometer formed in the region of each wiper to allow more precise measurements. Mechanically, the wipers could also play a role in maintaining the spacing between the layers since they are spacers in and of themselves.

An improvement on the above design is rather than having a single resistive stripe along the strip, separate ones may be placed in the neighborhood of each wiper. Then each smaller resistive stripe could have the entire voltage gradient over a much smaller displacement, greatly increasing the resolution of the measurement. It should be noted that the number of connections to the strip with the resistive stripes is still only two.

Rather than mechanical wipers, other methods can be employed to create shift-dependent resistivity changes. For example, magneto-resistive materials change resistance in the presence of a magnetic field. A resistive trace, running parallel to a conductor could be effectively bridged at different locations including magneto-resistive material between these traces, which can be selectively made more conductive by a magnet on the other strip.

Another embodiment employs a series of magnets on one strip and Hall effect sensors on the other in order to measure shift. Time domain techniques may also be utilized to measure length. Time domain reflectometry techniques in either the electrical, optical or acoustic domain can be used to measure shift at multiple points. To use these, the measurement points create a path for signal to return. Magneto strictive position transducer methods may also be used to measure shift.

In an embodiment, inductive proximity sensing can be employed. The inductance of a coil will change in response to certain materials being within proximity to them. For example, in an embodiment, one strip carries a series of coils, while the other has sections of different magnetic permeability that are detected by the coils. The detection can be done a number of ways, including noting the change in inductance of each coil independently, or looking for the change in coupling among different coils. It is also possible to have coils on both strips, and measure the coupling between them. Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs) can be straightforwardly applied to this type of measurement.

In an embodiment, electromagnetic coupling can be utilized using radio frequency (RF) coupling between the strips.

In an embodiment, multibend sensors are designed for remote interrogation via RF. A simple tank circuit (LC) is used where either the L or C are dependent on the relative shift between strips. This type of circuit can be created on the strips using only patterning of conductive material. The resonant frequency of the tank circuit is dependent on relative shift, and can be read remotely using standard RFID techniques. The strips can be designed so as to contain multiple resonances that are each dependent on the local relative shift. If the resonances are reasonably separated in frequency, a remote frequency scan can reveal the change in each resonance independently. With the addition of active components, other techniques, such as time domain multiplexing can be employed to read the shift over multiple points.

Magnetic sensors (Hall effect, Giant Magnetoresistive, etc.) can be used to measure local magnetic fields. A pattern of magnetization of one strip could be detected on the other to determine relative shift at many points. Magnetic circuits can be employed to bring the flux measurement to a convenient physical location. High magnetic permeability material serves to channel the flux similar to a conductive wire carrying electric current. Using these techniques, a number of magnetic sensors can be positioned on the conjoined end of the strips, making measurements at various points along the strips.

Magnetostrictive transducers have been employed for measuring position in harsh industrial environments. The position of a moving magnet is determined by pulsing current in a magnetostrictive element, which causes a mechanical impulse to be generated in the element in the region of the magnet. The time for this impulse to propagate back to a measurement point is a function of the position of the magnet. In an embodiment, magnets are placed on one strip, and magnetostrictive material is placed on the other.

Analogous techniques can be employed using photoconductive materials. A light on the sliding strip can shift the location of bridging. This could be an LED or other light source mounted on the strip, or a simple aperture through which a separate light source is allowed to selectively pass.

Some of the measurement error propagation properties of the multibend sensor can be obtained on more traditional arm/encoder systems through mechanical means. Parallel linkages are often used to maintain the parallelity of two members.

FIG. 19, shows three sets of parallel linkages that guarantee that the horizontal lines remain parallel to each other. The dots 1901 represent encoders. The angle measured at each encoder is always with respect to the top line. In this way, measurement errors at each encoder do not propagate in measuring the absolute exit angle at each encoder. Various combinations of gears, belts and other linkages can be employed to similar effect.

The above discussed multibend sensors provide curvature data along its length. This data can be used in more sophisticated ways to give more detailed models. For example, one can interpolate or fit a higher order function to model the change in curvature along the sensor, and thus create a model with effectively many more segments. One could also change the underlying model of a segment from a circular arc to a different functional form.

The above described embodiments of the multibend sensor can accurately determine the shape of a curve or curved surface. Some applications of this technique may be in determining the positioning of robotics systems. In an embodiment the multibend sensor is used for pliable interfaces. In an embodiment the multibend sensor is used for human joint motion rehabilitation. In an embodiment the multibend sensor is used for human joint motion in virtual reality. In an embodiment, the multibend sensor is used for determining curvature of a back, movement of a head, or bending of legs. In an embodiment the multibend sensor is used for measuring complex curves. In an embodiment the multibend sensor is used for complex vibration understanding and active control. In an embodiment the multibend sensor is used for automotive, tires and seat deformation. In an embodiment the multibend sensor is used for posture monitoring. In an embodiment the multibend sensor is used for expressive musical instrument interfaces. In an embodiment the multibend sensor is used for tank/pressure bladder monitoring for deformations such as bubbling out (e.g., monitoring planes, submarines etc.).

The multibend sensor may also be used in understanding the shape of a pressurized system. For example, airplanes with pressurized cabins undergo significant stress and deformation as they are repeatedly pressurized and depressurized. If a particular area becomes weakened through repeated stress, it will begin to bubble out (or in, depending on which side you are looking at) relative to other areas. The multibend sensor is employed so as to detect this for understanding the rate of system fatigue, and where failures may be imminent. Submarines, holding tanks, and all sorts of pressurized containers have similar issues that can benefit from the application of the multibend sensor. In an embodiment, the multibend sensor is used in assisting with oil and gas exploration when determining the curvature of bits.

Other mechanical systems that deform under load can also benefit from the multibend sensor. Another advantage of the multibend sensors described above is that the precision arises from geometric relationships rather than from electrical properties that are susceptible to changes due to environmental conditions and are subject to aging and wear, this makes the disclosed multibend sensors suitable for monitoring bridges, support beams, etc. over the life of the structure.

Another advantage of the multibend sensors described above is that the precision arises from geometric relationships rather than from electrical properties that are susceptible to changes due to environmental conditions and subject to aging and wear. Implementations of this application may employ principles used in implementing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing sensors and other interfaces disclosed in the following: U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,933,880; 9,019,224; 9,811,214; 9,804,721; 9,710,113; and 9,158,411. Familiarity with the disclosure, concepts and nomenclature within these patents is presumed. The entire disclosure of those patents and the applications incorporated therein by reference are incorporated herein by reference. This application may also employ principles used in fast multi-touch sensors and other interfaces disclosed in the following: U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 15/162,240; 15/690,234; 15/195,675; 15/200,642; 15/821,677; 15/904,953; 15/905,465; 15/943,221; 62/540,458, 62/575,005, 62/621,117, 62/619,656 and PCT publication PCT/US2017/050547, familiarity with the disclosures, concepts and nomenclature therein is presumed. The entire disclosure of those applications and the applications incorporated therein by reference are incorporated herein by reference.

Multibend Sensor Finger

In the aforementioned descriptions of multibend sensors radii of curvature are measured by noting the amount of relative shift between spaced strips. The amount of shift is related to the spacing of the strips, and is typically of the same order. This relationship can cause issues with respect to capacitive shift measurements due to the fields from adjacent electrodes interfering with each other or otherwise becoming hard to distinguish from each other due to the distances of the measurement electrodes.

The relative spatial sharpness of the fields are improved if measurements are made with a gap that is smaller than the expected motion of the respective strips. A spacing mechanism that permits the motion to come from a well positioned mechanism, and to have this motion translated down through the spacer is capable of enhancing the fidelity of the measurements. Preferably, the mechanism must not significantly impede bending, or change the spacing between strips.

Referring to FIGS. 20-22, in an embodiment, a finger 2002 is formed from the reference strip 2001 of the multibend sensor 2000. The finger 2002 is formed within a cutout region 2005 of the reference strip 2001 of the multibend sensor 2000. The finger 2002 is able to provide stability with respect to movement of the multibend sensor 2000. It should be understood that the finger 2002 shown in FIGS. 20-22 may be one of a plurality of fingers formed on the reference strip 2001 and that the number of fingers is a function of the length of the multibend sensor being employed. Furthermore, while reference is made to reference strip 2001 it should be understood that in an embodiment, the fingers are located on sliding strip 2011. Further, in an embodiment, the fingers alternate from being used on the reference strip and the sliding strip 2011. In an embodiment, the placement of fingers is dependent upon its intended use and may be placed on the reference strip and sliding strip 2011 depending on which strip is preferred.

Still referring to FIGS. 20-22, the fingers 2002 are formed within the reference strip 2001 by creating a U-shaped cut region 2005 into the reference strip 2001, and then forming the resulting material of the reference strip 2001 so that it extends down into the cutout region 2005 and through compatible spacer cutout regions 2015 formed in spacers 2012 so as to lie flush against the sliding strip 2011.

In an embodiment, the finger 2002 is created by forming the reference strip 2001, including the electrode patterns (not shown) in a manufacturing process. The reference strip 2001 is then placed in a mechanism so as to create the specified shape that will be implemented in the multibend sensor 2000. In an embodiment, the mechanism for forming the finger 2002 and the cutout region 2005 is mechanical, such a cutting tool. In an embodiment, the mechanism for forming the finger 2002 and the cutout region 2005 is a cold forming mechanism. In an embodiment, the mechanism for forming the finger 2002 and the cutout region 2005 is a heated tool.

Spacing between the reference strip 2001 and the sliding strip 2011 is not determined by the finger 2002. Instead, the spacing is set by spacer layers 2012 that have spacer cutout regions 2015 formed therein to accommodate the placement of the fingers 2002. The cutout regions 2005 and 2015 are somewhat oversized to account for the relative motion between the reference strip 2001 and the sliding strip 2011. The finger 2002 functions as a spring so as to keep the bottom portion of the finger 2002, referred to as a foot in the descriptions below, seated on the sliding strip 2011. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20-22, the finger 2002 is actually formed at an angle that is adapted to maintain a modest amount of force pressing down on the sliding strip 2011. The reference strip 2001, sliding strip 2011 and spacers 2012 may be held together by a sleeve or other mechanism that keeps them firmly located with respect to each other so as to maintain the relative movement of the multibend sensor. Similarly, the foot of the finger 2002 may be formed so as to apply some force to keep it parallel to the surface of the sliding strip 2011. The foot may also be kept relatively short with respect to the remainder of the finger 2002 so as to better conform to any curvature that the multibend sensor 2000 may encounter. In an embodiment, the distal end of the foot is raised with respect to the surface of the sliding strip 2011 so as to prevent the foot from catching on the sliding strip 2011 during the sliding of the finger.

The finger 2002 will impact the bendability of the multibend sensor 2000. With the multibend sensor 2000 bending parallel to the bend of the formed finger, it should not constrain the motion in that plane. If the finger was rotated 90 degrees so that the finger bend was parallel to the main axis of the multibend sensor, it would constrain the bendability in that region. But if the multibend sensor is curved inward, the leg of the finger 2002 will preferably bend slightly further to make contact. Similarly, if the multibend sensor is bent upwards, the leg of the finger will preferably bend in the other direction. This effectively creates a changing offset between the start of the multibend sensor's bend and the location of the foot. The end effect is that this change in offset due to curvature changes the location of the shift measurement so as to slightly amplify the apparent shift and can impact measurements.

FIGS. 23-25 show embodiments of fingers used with the multibend sensors.

FIG. 23 is an embodiment that shows finger 2302. Finger 2302 comprises a leg 2303, a foot 2306, and a lip 2308. The length of the leg 2303 sets a distance constraint setting the position of the foot 2306 with respect to the layers of the multibend sensor. The lip 2308 is formed to prevent the finger 2302 from impacting the sliding strip in such a manner that damage is caused to the multibend sensor.

FIG. 24 is an embodiment that shows finger 2402. Finger 2402 comprises a leg 2403 and a foot 2406. The foot 2406 is oriented to be placed under the initial bend in order to prevent any potential deleterious effects from being offset from the initial. This prevents any impact from curvature caused by bending.

FIG. 25 is an embodiment that shows finger 2502. Finger 2502 comprises a leg 2503 and a foot 2506. The foot 2506 is oriented to be placed under the initial bend in order to prevent any potential deleterious effects from being offset from the initial. This prevents any impact from curvature caused by bending. The foot 2502 shown in FIG. 25 is formed with the foot 2506 oriented in the opposite direction from foot shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is an embodiment that shows finger 2002. Finger 2002 comprises a foot oriented to be placed under the initial bend in order to prevent any potential deleterious effects from being offset from the initial bend. This prevents any impact from curvature caused by bending.

FIGS. 27 and 28 show a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a multibend sensor 2000 with a plurality of fingers 2002. In an embodiment, at least one finger 2002 is formed from the reference strip 2001 of the multibend sensor 2000. The finger 2002 is formed within a cutout region 2005 of the reference strip 2001 of the multibend sensor 2000. In an embodiment, the sliding strip 2011 and the reference strip 2011 are portions of a single continuous component that is then folded onto itself. In an embodiment at least one spacer is located between the sliding strip portion 2011 and the reference strip portion 2001.

In an embodiment, the finger 2002 is created by forming the reference strip 2001 and the sliding strip 2011, including the electrode patterns (not shown) in a manufacturing process as discussed elsewhere herein. In an embodiment, the electrical connections for the electrodes placed in the sliding and reference portions may be routed back through one or both ends of the continuous component to the circuitry. In an embodiment, the electrodes belonging to the sliding portion and those belonging to the reference portion are affixed to a continuous piece of material with all electrical connections routed to one or both ends. The continuous piece of material would then be folded and the ends secured to each other. In an embodiment, at least one spacer is placed between the sliding and reference portions and secured to the ends of the material.

Returning now to FIGS. 27 and 28, as noted elsewhere in this disclosure, it should be understood that the number of fingers 2002 is a function of the length of the multibend sensor being employed. Furthermore, while reference is made to reference strip 2001 it should be understood that in an embodiment, the fingers are located on sliding strip 2011. Further, in an embodiment, the fingers alternate from being used on the reference strip 2001 and the sliding strip 2011. In an embodiment, the placement of fingers is dependent upon its intended use and may be placed on the reference strip and sliding strip 2011 depending on which strip is preferred.

Turning now to FIG. 29 a detailed view of a finger 2002 and a multibend sensor 2000 is shown. In an embodiment, the fingers 2002 are formed within the reference strip 2001 by creating a C-shaped cut region 2005 into the reference strip 2001 and then forming the resulting material of the reference strip 2001 so that it extends down into the cutout region 2005. In an embodiment, the notches 2006 are placed selectively to allow for the targeted deformation of the finger 2002 at desirable locations. For instance, in FIG. 29, the notches 2006 are located at the transition between the reference strip 2001 and the finger 2002. This allows the finger 2002 to bend more easily at the transition than along the leg of the finger, thereby lessening the stress and, by extension, flex at the finger. In an embodiment, notches 2006 are formed at the junction between two parts (e.g., the leg, the foot, the lip).

In an embodiment, a plurality of techniques may be employed to selectively strengthen or weaken parts of the finger 2002 in order to obtain a desired mechanical behavior. In an embodiment, ribbing may be added to the finger at selected portions (e.g., the leg, the foot, the lip) in order to at least one of strengthen and weaken that portion. It may be noted that in the case of strengthening the leg, the ribbing would be formed lengthwise extending from the transition towards the foot. In an embodiment, the leg may be weakened by adding ribbing widthwise. In an embodiment, dimples or depressions may be added to the finger at selected portions (e.g., the leg, the foot, the lip) in order to at least one of strengthen and weaken that portion. In an embodiment, additional material (e.g., metals, plastics, polymers) may be added to the finger at selected portions (e.g., the leg, the foot, the lip) in order to strengthen that portion. In an embodiment, at least one of the leg, the foot, and the lip are curved. In an embodiment, a localized bump or lump is created in at least one of the leg, the foot, and the lip. In an embodiment the bump or lump is formed widthwise.

In an embodiment, a channel may be formed in the strip opposite to the strip where the finger is formed in order to provide a guide for the foot.

Turning now to FIG. 30 a diagram of a finger 3002 is shown. In an embodiment, finger 3002 comprises a first leg portion 3003, a second leg portion 3004, a foot 3006, and a lip 3008. In an embodiment, a plurality of leg portions allow for better control of the placement of the foot and lip with respect to the sliding strip.

Physical Implementation

Referring now to FIGS. 31A and 31B, a reference strip and a sliding strip of a multibend sensor are provided. A plurality of transmit electrodes moves along a corresponding pattern of receive electrodes. In an embodiment, position is determined by examining the change in coupling capacitance between the transmit and receive electrodes. In an embodiment, a pattern of interdigitated electrodes allows one to perform differential measurements by comparing the capacitance of overlapping electrodes to determine relative shift. The differential nature of this measurement makes it highly insensitive to various types of error. As noted above, in addition to the electrode pattern shown in FIG. 31A, other electrode patterns can be implemented that will further provide measurements that can help determine the overall movement and shape of the multibend sensor.

In an embodiment, a plurality of the electrodes are adapted to transmit signals and a plurality of the electrodes are adapted to receive signals from the electrodes that are transmitting signals. In an embodiment, the electrodes adapted to transmit signals and the electrodes adapted to receive signals may be switched or alternated depending on the implementations. In an embodiment, an electrode adapted to transmit a signal may at a different time also be adapted to receive a signal. Received signals are used in order to determine movement of one strip with respect to the other strip. In an embodiment, electrodes can be patterned on standard flexible printed circuit boards (PCB) when creating the reference strip and the sliding strip. The capacitance through the spacer can be measured, and relative position determined.

In an embodiment, the transmit strip has a plurality of equally spaced electrodes which align with an equal number of differential electrode pairs on the receive strip. When the strips are flat, each transmit electrode will be centered over a receive pair such that the differential capacitance is zero. As the two strips shift relative to each other, the transmit pads will move out of alignment with the receive pads, unbalancing the differential capacitance. In an embodiment, the electrodes are arranged as to have significant overlap to minimize the impact of skew and fringing fields, giving a linear change in differential capacitance with respect to shift.

In an embodiment, the transmit and receive pads are kept at a fixed spacing by interposing a plurality of polyimide strips. In an embodiment, the amount of shift is proportional to the thickness of the spacing. In an embodiment, the thickness is 0.5 mm. In an embodiment, a single spacer is used. In an embodiment, a plurality of spacers are used to maintain accurate spacing while allowing the device to be pliable.

In an embodiment, the strips are held pressed together via an elastic sleeve, while still allowing them to shift against each other along the length. In an embodiment, a clamp passes through alignment holes on the strips to constrain motion on that end. In an embodiment, gold finger contacts allow the strips to be inserted into connectors on opposite sides of a controller board. In an embodiment, the strips are integrally manufactured with a controller board.

FIGS. 32A and 32B show a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a multibend sensor 3200. In an embodiment, the sliding strip and the reference strip are portions of a single continuous component that is then folded onto itself. In an embodiment at least one spacer is located between the sliding strip portion and the reference strip portion.

In an embodiment, the electrical connections for the electrodes (not shown) placed in the sliding and reference portions may be routed back through one or both ends of the continuous component to the circuitry. In an embodiment, the electrodes belonging to the sliding portion and those belonging to the reference portion are affixed to a continuous piece of material with all electrical connections routed to one or both ends. The continuous piece of material would then be folded and the ends secured to each other. In an embodiment, at least one spacer is placed between the sliding and reference portions and secured to the ends of the material.

FIGS. 33A and 33B illustrate a multibend sensor in a flat position and a bent position, respectively. In an embodiment, the electrodes shift as the sensor is flexed. FIG. 33C illustrates the relationship between the relative shift and differential capacitance when the multibend sensor is in a flat position and in a bent position. In an embodiment, when the multibend sensor is in a flat position, the transmit electrodes are centered between two receive electrodes (i.e., no shift) and the differential capacitance is zero. In an embodiment, when the multibend sensor is bent in at least a portion of the sensor, at least one transmit electrode overlaps one receive electrode from the set of receive electrodes more than the other(s) receive electrode(s) (i.e., shift) creating a non-zero differential capacitance.

In an embodiment, a single channel, 24-bit differential capacitance to digital converter is used to perform the capacitance measurements. In an embodiment, using a series of ultra-low capacitance multiplexers, shift at 8 points along the strips can be successively measured. In an embodiment, the capacitances measured are sub-pico farad.

In an embodiment, when substantial parasitic capacitances due to the proximity of various traces are noted, a calibration procedure can be used. First, the static impact of the parasitic capacitances are measured when the sensor is laid flat. Then, this value is subtracted off of later readings to find the differential capacitance due to the electrodes. In an embodiment, the circuit can do a full sweep of the multibend sensor about 10 times per second, while drawing less than 100 mW.

Precision Single Bend Sensor

Turning to FIG. 34, shown is a version of single bend sensor 3400 that has a different geometry than the multibend sensors shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2. In embodiments discussed above, the multibend sensors had circuitry on controller portions and sensor strips, such as the sliding strip and the reference strip. The reference strip and the sliding strip were retained or secured at the location of the circuitry, i.e., the controller board end, also referred to as the proximal end. The other, distal end, is unconstrained so that the sliding strip moves with respect to the reference strip. In an embodiment, measurements were made at a number of points along the sliding and reference strips to detect relative motion with respect to each other. By making multiple measurements along the strip with capacitive elements, issues can arise due to the distance from the point of measurement to the electronic components. Furthermore, the unconstrained distal end can also create some mechanical issues with respect to holding the strips together as they separate laterally.

It will be noted that there are bend sensors that only return a single measurement of bend extent. However, existing bend sensors have issues relating to calibration, drift, fatigue, etc. While the sensors elsewhere herein have focused on multibend applications, the techniques described can also be applied to single bend sensors.

FIG. 34 illustrates a single bend sensor 3400 which addresses some of the issues had with other multibend sensors found in the prior art by taking advantage of a single measurement point. By trading off multibend capability, a very inexpensive, precision single bend sensor can be created that has excellent noise immunity, while using a simpler mechanical design.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 34 the electrodes 3412 are located proximate to the measurement circuitry 3410 at the proximal end 3401 of the single bend sensor 3400. With the single bend sensor 3400 the measurement of shift is done at the proximal end 3401 while the fold at the distal end 3402 functions as the constrained end of the single bend sensor 3400. By measuring shift at the proximal end, the measurement circuitry can be placed at that point, with the constrained end distal from the circuitry. It will be noted that the folded over design of the single bend sensor 3400 is similar to that of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 32A and B. Embodiments of sensors described herein, including but not limited to for a single bend, multiple bends, or contours may be implemented in the form factor described in FIGS. 32A and B as well as in other form factors.

In an embodiment, a single flex printed circuit board is used to form the single bend sensor 3400 with measurement circuitry 3410 on one of the sensor portions, and electrode patterns 3412 on the other. The single bend sensor 3400 is then folded over at the halfway point 3414 along the printed circuit board forming a top portion 3415 and a bottom portion 3416 so that the electrode pattern having at least one of transmitting electrodes and receiving electrodes 3412 can lie on top of the measurement circuitry 3410. With this arrangement, the fold at the halfway point 3414 creates the constrained end, with the electrodes 3412 shifting laterally above the measurement circuitry 3410. In an embodiment, the transmitting electrodes and the receiving electrodes lie on top of each other. In an embodiment, one of the transmitting electrodes and the receiving electrodes lie on top of the measurement circuitry while the other lies on the same portion as the measurement circuitry. In an embodiment, an electrode can be a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode during different time intervals. Since there are no electronic components at the fold and there is no relative shifting at that location, the distal end 3402 can use a mechanical housing to retain the fold. A distal housing 3420 can also provide a point for simple mechanical attachment to other components of objects.

Still referring to FIG. 34, in an embodiment, a spacer 3417 may be used to maintain a known gap between the top portion 3415 and the bottom portion 3416. The measurement circuitry 3410 located at the proximal end 3401 and the electrode patterns 3412 are free to shift relative to the measurement circuit 3410.

The proximal end 3401 may have a proximal housing 3430 for the measurement circuitry 3410. The proximal housing 3430 used to contain the proximal end 3401 can be designed to enclose the proximal end 3410 so that the laterally separating layers are mechanically protected. In addition, this end can provide electrical shielding for the components housed therein.

Because the movement of the measurement circuitry 3410 is limited and preferably does not flex, the free end that would move within this area over the measurement circuit 3410 is preferably flat in this region to avoid any potential issues with electrodes of different geometries. This avoids issues that may arise due to complex geometries and can provide better measurements.

In addition, the shift measurement can be done over a length of the single bend sensor 3400, position measurement techniques used in devices such as digital calipers can be employed. This effectively uses space to provide higher signal to noise ratio. Because the region where the measurement circuit 3410 is flat, the system can be mechanically arranged so that the electrodes 3412 located at distal end 3402 lie directly on top of the measurement circuitry 3410—i.e., they do not need to be spaced apart in this region. In an embodiment, the flexible circuit board is formed close together without a spacer in this region. In an embodiment, the rigid PCB in this region is used to extend the electrodes up to span the gap.

In an embodiment, the sensing electrodes can extend along the length of the single bend sensor and movement in the lengthwise direction can be used in order to determine specific measurements related to length. In an embodiment, the sensing electrodes can extend along the length of the single bend sensor and biasing means, such as spring can be located at the proximal end in order to return the respective lengths of the sensor to the starting position. In an embodiment, portions of the single bend sensor can be frayed and stepped so as to provide different measurements at different points along the length.

In an embodiment the single bend sensor can be used instead of encoders in industrial and commercial applications. In an embodiment the single bend sensor is used in a robot arm.

Non-Uniform Electrode Spacing with a Multibend Sensor

Referring to FIG. 35, shown is an embodiment of a multibend sensor 3500 having non-uniform spacing of electrodes 3520. FIG. 35 shows a top view of the strips of the non-uniformly spaced multibend sensor 3500. In the embodiment shown, the non-uniformly spaced multibend sensor 3500 has a sliding strip 3512 and a reference strip 3514. The sliding strip 3512 is secured to the reference strip 3514 at a distal end of the reference strip 3514. A spacer may be located between the sliding strip 3512 and the reference strip 3514. Retainers may also be used to retain the sliding strip 3512 and the reference strip 3514 against a spacer when used.

Still referring to FIG. 35, the sliding strip 3512 and the reference strip 3514 are flexible and able to move and bend. Additionally, a spacer, which is placed between the sliding strip 3512 and the reference strip 3514, is flexible and able to move and bend. In an embodiment, the spacer may have different levels of flexibility with respect to the sliding strip 3512 and the reference strip 3514. In an embodiment, the sliding strip 3512, the reference strip 3514 and the spacer may each have different levels of flexibility. In an embodiment, there is no spacer and the sliding strip 3512 and the reference strip 3514 move with respect to each other.

In embodiments where a spacer is used the strips are spaced at a constant distance regardless of the amount of bending, yet still permits relative sliding. A spacer preferably has a thickness that is able to permit there to be differences between the lengths of the sliding strip 3512 and the reference strip 3514 when there is bending. In an embodiment, there may be no spacer and the sliding strip 3512 and the reference strip 3514 may be abutting each other, however there should still be sufficient distance between the outward facing sides to permit sensing of the relative shift between the sliding strip 3512 and the sliding strip 3514 during a bend. In an embodiment, the spacer may have the same flexibility as the sliding strip 3512 and the reference strip 3514. In an embodiment, the spacer has a different range of flexibility. A thick spacer will provide a good amount of shift, but the spacer itself may change thickness with a tight bend. A thin spacer will have less of an issue with bending but may not provide adequate shifting. In an embodiment, the spacer may be made out of a series of thin layers which slide against each other. This allows a thick spacer to have fairly tight bends without changing overall thickness.

Operably connected to the sliding strip 3512 and the reference strip 3514 is circuitry 3524 that is adapted to receive and process measurements that occur along the strip. In the embodiment shown, the circuitry 3524 may comprise components, or be operably connected to components, such as processors, signal generators, receivers, etc. In an embodiment, the processing of the signals is performed distally from the sliding strip and reference strip.

The sliding strip 3512 and the reference strip 3514 may be formed from flexible printed circuit board strips. While the sliding strip 3512 and the reference strip 3514 are shown having specific electrode patterns, it should be understood that the roles of each of the respective strips may be changed and that the sliding strip 3512 may function as the reference strip 3514 and vice versa depending on the particular implementation.

Electrodes 3520 may be placed on the surfaces of the sliding strip 3512 and the reference strip 3514. The electrodes 3520 are adapted to transmit and receive signals. The electrodes 3520 may be arranged in any pattern that is capable of determining a change during the bending of the sliding strip 3512 and the reference strip 3514. Additionally, the number, size and shape of the electrodes 3520 implemented on sliding strip 3512 and the reference strip 3514 may be changed based on a particular implementation. The signals transmitted by the electrodes 3520 may be frequency orthogonal signals.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 35, the electrodes on the sliding strip 3512 are placed along the sliding strip 3512 in a non-uniform fashion. That is to say the electrodes 3520 are placed into groups, such as the first grouping 3530 and the second grouping 3540. Each of the groupings have a different number of electrodes 3520. In an embodiment, some groupings have the same number of electrodes as other groupings while some groupings have different numbers of electrodes. The electrodes do not have to be placed into groupings and may simply be placed in a manner where sequentially placed electrodes are not equidistant from each other but where one electrode may be closer to the next electrode than the previous electrode.

Generally, more electrodes are located in regions on the sliding strip or reference strip where more precise sensing is needed. For example, if a sliding sensor were used to determine articulation of a finger, each joint of the finger may have a grouping of electrodes associated with that particular joint. In those areas where there is not a joint that is bending there may be no electrodes placed. By being strategic about the placement of the electrodes along the bend sensor more detailed sensing of particular bends can be achieved with the use of fewer electrodes thereby saving costs. In an embodiment, the sensor with non-uniformly spaced electrodes is used with a finger where each of the joints has a higher concentration of electrodes. In an embodiment, the sensor with the non-uniformly spaced electrodes is used with a glove having a multibend sensor for each finger with each of the joints having a higher concentration of electrodes corresponding to the joints on each finger. In an embodiment, the sensor with the non-uniformly spaced electrodes is used with a robot arm where each of the robotic arms has a higher concentration of electrodes at the joints. In an embodiment, seats and chairs have multibend sensors having non-uniformly spaced electrodes with concentrations of electrodes in areas where more bending occurs. In an embodiment, articles of clothing and uniforms have multibend sensors with non-uniformly spaced electrodes in areas where the clothing bends more frequently or there is more of a need for determination of movement. In an embodiment, multibend sensors having non-uniformly spaced electrodes with concentrations of electrodes in certain areas are used for medical devices that are to determine the bending of body parts, such as, but not limited to arms, legs and the spine.

As will be noted, the implementation of electrodes having non-uniform spacing is not limited to the form factor described in FIG. 35. In an embodiment, a multibend sensor having a form factor similar to that shown in and described herein with respect to FIGS. 32A and B and FIGS. 20-30 has electrodes arranged in a non-uniform spacing arrangement as described above.

An aspect of the present invention is a multibend sensor comprising a reference strip having a first plurality of electrodes, wherein each of the first plurality of electrodes is adapted to receive a signal. The multibend sensor further comprising a sliding strip having a second plurality of electrodes, wherein each of the second plurality of electrodes is adapted to transmit at least one signal, wherein at least one of the second plurality of electrodes is spaced further away from an adjacent electrode than another adjacent electrode; and measurement circuitry adapted to process signals received by the first plurality of electrodes, wherein the processed signals provide indication of movement of the sliding strip with respect to the reference strip.

Another aspect of the present invention is a multibend sensor comprising a reference strip having a first plurality of electrodes, wherein each of the first plurality of electrodes is adapted to transmit at least one signal, and wherein a first electrode of the first plurality of electrodes is spaced apart from a second electrode of the first plurality with a first spacing. The multibend sensor further comprising a sliding strip having a second plurality of electrodes, wherein each of the second plurality of electrodes is adapted to receive a signal, wherein at least one of the second plurality of electrodes corresponds to the first electrode of the first plurality of electrodes and wherein at least one other electrode of the second plurality of electrodes corresponds to the second electrode of the first plurality of electrodes; and, measurement circuitry adapted to process signals received by the second plurality of electrodes, wherein the processed signals provide indication of movement of the sliding strip with respect to the reference strip.

As used herein, and especially within the claims, ordinal terms such as first and second are not intended, in and of themselves, to imply sequence, time or uniqueness, but rather, are used to distinguish one claimed construct from another. In some uses where the context dictates, these terms may imply that the first and second are unique. For example, where an event occurs at a first time, and another event occurs at a second time, there is no intended implication that the first time occurs before the second time, after the second time or simultaneously with the second time. However, where the further limitation that the second time is after the first time is presented in the claim, the context would require reading the first time and the second time to be unique times. Similarly, where the context so dictates or permits, ordinal terms are intended to be broadly construed so that the two identified claim constructs can be of the same characteristic or of different characteristic. Thus, for example, a first and a second frequency, absent further limitation, could be the same frequency, e.g., the first frequency being 10 Mhz and the second frequency being 10 Mhz; or could be different frequencies, e.g., the first frequency being 10 Mhz and the second frequency being 11 Mhz. Context may dictate otherwise, for example, where a first and a second frequency are further limited to being frequency-orthogonal to each other, in which case, they could not be the same frequency.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A multibend sensor comprising: a reference strip having a first plurality of electrodes, wherein each of the first plurality of electrodes is adapted to receive a signal;a sliding strip having a second plurality of electrodes, wherein each of the second plurality of electrodes is adapted to transmit at least one signal, wherein at least one of the second plurality of electrodes is spaced further away from an adjacent electrode than another adjacent electrode; andmeasurement circuitry adapted to process signals received by the first plurality of electrodes, wherein the processed signals provide indication of movement of the sliding strip with respect to the reference strip.

2. The multibend sensor of claim 1, wherein electrodes of the second plurality of electrodes are formed into groups.

3. The multibend sensor of claim 2, wherein each of the groups comprise a different number of electrodes.

4. The multibend sensor of claim 2, wherein each of the groups comprise the same number of electrodes.

5. The multibend sensor of claim 2, wherein at least one of the groups comprise the same number of electrodes as another one of the groups.

6. The multibend sensor of claim 1, wherein each transmitted signal is frequency orthogonal to each other transmitted signal.

7. A robotic arm comprising the multibend sensor of claim 1.

8. A sensing glove comprising the multibend sensor of claim 1.

9. A multibend sensor comprising: a reference strip having a first plurality of electrodes, wherein each of the first plurality of electrodes is adapted to transmit at least one signal, wherein a first electrode of the first plurality of electrodes is spaced apart from a second electrode of the first plurality with a first spacing;a sliding strip having a second plurality of electrodes, wherein each of the second plurality of electrodes is adapted to receive a signal, wherein at least one of the second plurality of electrodes corresponds to the first electrode of the first plurality of electrodes and wherein at least one other electrode of the second plurality of electrodes corresponds to the second electrode of the first plurality of electrodes; and,measurement circuitry adapted to process signals received by the second plurality of electrodes, wherein the processed signals provide indication of movement of the sliding strip with respect to the reference strip.

10. The multibend sensor of claim 9, wherein a third electrode of the first plurality of electrodes is spaced apart from the first electrode and the second electrode of the first plurality of electrodes with a second and third spacing respectively; and wherein at least one electrode of the second plurality of electrodes corresponds to the third electrode of the first plurality of electrodes.

11. The multibend sensor of claim 10, wherein the first, second and third spacings are the same.

12. The multibend sensor of claim 10, wherein the first, second and third spacings are different.

13. The multibend sensor of claim 10, wherein at least two of the first, second and third spacings are different.

14. The multibend sensor of claim 9, wherein electrodes of the second plurality of electrodes are formed into groups.

15. The multibend sensor of claim 10, wherein each of the groups comprise a different number of electrodes.

16. The multibend sensor of claim 10, wherein each of the groups comprise the same number of electrodes.

17. The multibend sensor of claim 10, wherein at least one of the groups comprise the same number of electrodes as another one of the groups.

18. The multibend sensor of claim 9, wherein each transmitted signal is frequency orthogonal to each other transmitted signal.

19. A robotic arm comprising the multibend sensor of claim 9.

20. A sensing glove comprising the multibend sensor of claim 9.