A multi-degree of freedom (DOF) force and torque sensor is provided. The multi-DOF force and torque sensor includes a first rigid plate, a second rigid plate, multiple elastic elements connected between the first and second rigid plates, and multiple signal pairs connected between the first and second rigid plates. The signal pairs are used for detecting relative displacements of the first and second rigid plates in multiple directions.

A multi-degree of freedom (DOF) force and torque sensor is provided. The multi-DOF force and torque sensor includes a first rigid plate, a second rigid plate, multiple elastic elements connected between the first and second rigid plates, and multiple signal pairs connected between the first and second rigid plates. The signal pairs are used for detecting relative displacements of the first and second rigid plates in multiple directions.

A method of recording measurement data for characterizing a response of a given type of device to an applied force, the given type defining devices of that type as comprising a defined arrangement of a surface and N force sensors of the device concerned, where N≥1, each force sensor configured to output a sensor signal, wherein in the defined arrangement the N force sensors are operatively coupled to a defined input region of the surface so as to sense a force applied to that input region, the method comprising: for a specimen device of the given type, performing at least one measurement procedure, each measurement procedure comprising at least one measurement operation, each measurement operation comprising applying a defined force at a corresponding location on the input region of the device concerned and recording measurement data for that device and location based on the sensor signals of the N force sensors of that device. Also disclosed are a related computer-implemented method of generating a characterization definition for devices of the given type, a computer-implemented method of generating a configuration definition for devices of the given type for a given use case defined by a use-case definition, a method of configuring a candidate device of the given type for the given use case, and a method of assessing or calibrating a candidate device of the given type.

A method of recording measurement data for characterizing a response of a given type of device to an applied force, the given type defining devices of that type as comprising a defined arrangement of a surface and N force sensors of the device concerned, where N≥1, each force sensor configured to output a sensor signal, wherein in the defined arrangement the N force sensors are operatively coupled to a defined input region of the surface so as to sense a force applied to that input region, the method comprising: for a specimen device of the given type, performing at least one measurement procedure, each measurement procedure comprising at least one measurement operation, each measurement operation comprising applying a defined force at a corresponding location on the input region of the device concerned and recording measurement data for that device and location based on the sensor signals of the N force sensors of that device. Also disclosed are a related computer-implemented method of generating a characterization definition for devices of the given type, a computer-implemented method of generating a configuration definition for devices of the given type for a given use case defined by a use-case definition, a method of configuring a candidate device of the given type for the given use case, and a method of assessing or calibrating a candidate device of the given type.

In one aspect, an electronic device for promoting proper use of a walking aid during lower extremity injury rehabilitation comprises at least one load sensor configured to measure a load on the walking aid. A memory stores rehabilitation program data defining at least one time interval of a rehabilitation period and, for each time interval, a target load for the walking aid during the time interval. A currently operative time interval of the at least one time interval of the rehabilitation period is identified. Data is received, from the load sensor(s), indicative of a dynamic load on the walking aid during a patient step. Based upon the received data, a peak load upon the walking aid during the patient step is determined. A user notification indicating that the peak load is non-compliant with the target load for the walking aid for the currently operative time interval is provided.

In one aspect, an electronic device for promoting proper use of a walking aid during lower extremity injury rehabilitation comprises at least one load sensor configured to measure a load on the walking aid. A memory stores rehabilitation program data defining at least one time interval of a rehabilitation period and, for each time interval, a target load for the walking aid during the time interval. A currently operative time interval of the at least one time interval of the rehabilitation period is identified. Data is received, from the load sensor(s), indicative of a dynamic load on the walking aid during a patient step. Based upon the received data, a peak load upon the walking aid during the patient step is determined. A user notification indicating that the peak load is non-compliant with the target load for the walking aid for the currently operative time interval is provided.

Realized is a technology which allows more various operations with respect to an operation target. An operation device includes: at least one six-axis force-moment sensor; and a button. The at least one six-axis force-moment sensor can detect a force in a direction of a first axis which intersects a first main surface of a housing, a moment about the first axis, a force in a direction of a second axis which is along the first main surface, a moment about the second axis, a force in a direction of a third axis which is along the first main surface and which intersects the second axis, and a moment about the third axis. The button can detect at least the force in the direction of the first axis and the moments about the second and third axes, and is provided to the first main surface.

Realized is a technology which allows more various operations with respect to an operation target. An operation device includes: at least one six-axis force-moment sensor; and a button. The at least one six-axis force-moment sensor can detect a force in a direction of a first axis which intersects a first main surface of a housing, a moment about the first axis, a force in a direction of a second axis which is along the first main surface, a moment about the second axis, a force in a direction of a third axis which is along the first main surface and which intersects the second axis, and a moment about the third axis. The button can detect at least the force in the direction of the first axis and the moments about the second and third axes, and is provided to the first main surface.

A sensor and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The sensor includes a substrate, a projecting portion including a plurality of projections that protrude upwardly from an upper portion of the substrate, and an electrode portion covering the projections and the upper portion of the substrate between the projections. The projecting portion of the sensor has micro projections to enable the sensor to sense pressure and a sliding movement.

Provided herein is a method and apparatus describing a force sensor that includes a ground unit that is a grounded conductor that changes its position according to an external force, and including a flat panel module that is a conductor of a flat panel shape, and a protruding module that is a conductor protruding from a lower surface of the flat panel module, a substrate of a flat panel shape arranged in a predetermined distance from the lower surface of the flat panel module, and having a hole through which the protruding module may be inserted, a first electrode formed on an upper surface of the substrate, to generate a capacitance together with the flat panel module upon receiving power, and a second electrode formed on the substrate, to generate a capacitance together with the protruding module upon receiving power.