A force detection system includes first and second sets of pressure sensors, memory, and a processing module. The first set of pressure sensors are in an insole of a shoe and the second set of pressure sensors are in an outsole of a shoe. The processing module receives first data regarding the first set of pressure sensors and generates a first digital representation of the first data. The processing module also receives second data regarding the second set of pressure sensors and generates a second digital representation of the second data. The processing module also writes the first and second digital representations to the memory.

A force sensing system for determining if a user input has occurred, the system comprising: an input channel, to receive an input from at least one force sensor; an activity detection stage, to monitor an activity level of the input from the at least one force sensor and, responsive to an activity level which may be indicative of a user input being reached, to generate an indication that an activity has occurred at the force sensor; and an event detection stage to receive said indication, and to determine if a user input has occurred based on the received input from the at least one force sensor.

A force sensing system for determining if a user input has occurred, the system comprising: an input channel, to receive an input from at least one force sensor; an activity detection stage, to monitor an activity level of the input from the at least one force sensor and, responsive to an activity level which may be indicative of a user input being reached, to generate an indication that an activity has occurred at the force sensor; and an event detection stage to receive said indication, and to determine if a user input has occurred based on the received input from the at least one force sensor.

A force sensing device includes a support member including: a sensor support portion to which a force sensor is coupled on one surface of the support member; and a frame coupling portion extending from the sensor support portion. The force sensing device further includes: a frame disposed to face another surface of the support member, and disposed to be spaced apart from the support member; and at least one spacing member disposed between the support member and the frame, and spacing the support member apart from the frame. The force sensor is not disposed in the frame coupling portion. The spacing member is disposed between the frame coupling portion and the frame.

A force sensing device includes a support member including: a sensor support portion to which a force sensor is coupled on one surface of the support member; and a frame coupling portion extending from the sensor support portion. The force sensing device further includes: a frame disposed to face another surface of the support member, and disposed to be spaced apart from the support member; and at least one spacing member disposed between the support member and the frame, and spacing the support member apart from the frame. The force sensor is not disposed in the frame coupling portion. The spacing member is disposed between the frame coupling portion and the frame.

A two-dimensional force sensor for measuring a first force (F.sub.X) in a first direction (X) and a second force (Fy) in a second direction (Y) different from the first direction (X). The two-dimensional force sensor comprises a first resilient plate (H1) oriented in the second direction (Y), a first end of the first resilient plate (H1) being arranged for being coupled to a reference point; a second resilient plate (H2) oriented in the first direction (X), a first end of the second resilient plate (H2) being coupled to a second end of the first resilient plate (H1); and a measurement probe (P) being coupled to a second end of the second resilient plate (H2). Advantageously, the measurement probe (P) is mounted on an extension device (A) mounted to the second end of the second resilient plate (H2), the extension device (A) being arranged for positioning the measurement probe (P) at a position deviating from an imaginary cross-section point of the first resilient plate (H1) and the second resilient plate (H2) by no more than 20%, preferably 10%, and more preferably 5%, of a length of the extension device.

A two-dimensional force sensor for measuring a first force (F.sub.X) in a first direction (X) and a second force (Fy) in a second direction (Y) different from the first direction (X). The two-dimensional force sensor comprises a first resilient plate (H1) oriented in the second direction (Y), a first end of the first resilient plate (H1) being arranged for being coupled to a reference point; a second resilient plate (H2) oriented in the first direction (X), a first end of the second resilient plate (H2) being coupled to a second end of the first resilient plate (H1); and a measurement probe (P) being coupled to a second end of the second resilient plate (H2). Advantageously, the measurement probe (P) is mounted on an extension device (A) mounted to the second end of the second resilient plate (H2), the extension device (A) being arranged for positioning the measurement probe (P) at a position deviating from an imaginary cross-section point of the first resilient plate (H1) and the second resilient plate (H2) by no more than 20%, preferably 10%, and more preferably 5%, of a length of the extension device.

A force detection system includes first and second sets of pressure sensors, memory, and a processing module. The first set of pressure sensors are in an insole of a shoe and the second set of pressure sensors are in an outsole of a shoe. The processing module receives first data regarding the first set of pressure sensors and generates a first digital representation of the first data. The processing module also receives second data regarding the second set of pressure sensors and generates a second digital representation of the second data. The processing module also writes the first and second digital representations to the memory.

A force detection system includes first and second sets of pressure sensors, memory, and a processing module. The first set of pressure sensors are in an insole of a shoe and the second set of pressure sensors are in an outsole of a shoe. The processing module receives first data regarding the first set of pressure sensors and generates a first digital representation of the first data. The processing module also receives second data regarding the second set of pressure sensors and generates a second digital representation of the second data. The processing module also writes the first and second digital representations to the memory.

The invention involves utilizing variable reluctance measurement technology (“VRMT”) sensors to monitor forces and stresses on drilling risers and riser towers. The tension monitoring system described herein includes an optimized configuration of variable reluctance measurement technology sensors, wherein the sensors have increased wire turns around each end of their C-cores or alternatively are mounted on mechanical amplifiers or both. An array of optimized variable reluctance measurement technology sensors can be configured at multiple points on a riser system. The VRMT sensors may be integrally attached to the risers or flexible joints for the risers, or may be installed on existing riser or flexible joint systems.