Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for controlling the flow of magnetic flux from one location to another. In some aspects, devices, systems, and methods for improving the sensitivity of magnetic field sensors are provided. In some embodiments, improving magnetic field sensor efficiency comprises modulating the frequency of a magnetic field of interest.

Systems and methods are disclosed for generating a magnetic fingerprint map. Information representing orientation and position of each portable device is obtained along with magnetic field measurements that are correlated with positions determined from the information. Uncertainties associated with the magnetic field measurements are estimated and the magnetic field measurements and associated uncertainties are converted from a device frame to a unified fingerprint frame using the orientations determined from the information. Parameters of a probability distribution function for magnetic field measurements and contaminating measurements are mitigated at each determined position based at least in part on the converted magnetic field measurements and associated uncertainties. Correspondingly, the magnetic fingerprint map is generated from the determined parameters of the probability distribution functions.

A high-sensitivity and ultra-low power consumption magnetic sensor using a magnetoelectric (ME) composite comprising of magnetostrictive and piezoelectric layers. This sensor exploits the magnetically driven resonance shift of a free-standing magnetoelectric micro-beam resonator. Also disclosed is the related method for making the magnetic sensor.

Systems and methods are disclosed for automatically calibrating a magnetometer during user activity. A portable device associated with a user provides magnetic field measurements during user activity, which are converted to a frequency domain and frequency component(s) that correspond to the user activity are distinguished. A criterion is defined for the distinguished frequency components such that magnetometer bias is estimated by satisfying a condition for the criterion. Accordingly, the estimated magnetometer bias may be applied to the obtained magnetic field measurements. The calibrated magnetic field measurements may be used for any suitable purposes, including for building a magnetic fingerprint map using crowdsourcing techniques.

The present invention provides a micro tactility-simulating sensing device, including: a chip including a first top surface and a first inductor, wherein the first top surface has wiring through holes configured to allow an external circuit to connect to the first inductor, and the first top surface is a flat surface except the wiring through holes; a magnetic rigid body coupled with the first inductor to allow the first inductor to sense a magnetic flux passing therethrough, and configured to receive a tactile load; and a polymer configured between the chip and the magnetic rigid body to have a characteristic distance therebetween, wherein the characteristic distance and the magnetic flux have a functional relationship. The micro tactility-simulating sensing device of the present invention can effectively increase the magnitude of the measured signal and provide two different ways to read the signal.

The present invention relates in general to a novel microelectromechanical sensor device for detecting and measuring electric field and magnetic field. In particular, the sensor device of the present invention is useful for measuring low and high strength electric fields and magnetic fields without reference ground connection, the device comprising a first electrode and a second electrode rigidly connected together via a joining segment so that the first electrode and second electrode are mutually and dependently pivotal about an axis passing through a joining segment to form a tiltable unit, and the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically isolated from each other. The present invention further provides novel methods of using through specific arrangement of such novel sensor device.

A high-sensitivity and ultra-low power consumption magnetic sensor using a magnetoelectric (ME) composite comprising of magnetostrictive and piezoelectric layers. This sensor exploits the magnetically driven resonance shift of a free-standing magnetoelectric micro-beam resonator. Also disclosed is the related method for making the magnetic sensor.

According to various aspects, a sensor system is provided comprising a first substrate configured to be coupled to a user, an electric field detector to detect a user electric field and comprising a second substrate, a proof mass positioned above the second substrate, one or more electrodes coupled to the second substrate, and a control circuit coupled to the one or more electrodes, the control circuit being configured to determine a change in capacitance between the proof mass and each electrode responsive to torsional movement of the proof mass responsive to the electric field, and a controller coupled to the first substrate and being configured to receive, from the detector, information indicative of each change in capacitance between the proof mass and each electrode, and determine, based on the information, characteristics of the electric field in at least two dimensions.

A magnetic field gradient sensor includes a support and a structure having at least a first and a second mobile element, at least one magnetic sensor, each magnetic sensor being mechanically secured to one of the first and/or second mobile elements so as to be able to apply a mechanical force to the structure in the presence of a magnetic field gradient, a coupler for coupling between the first and second mobile elements so that the structure can be moved in at least one balanced mechanical mode in the presence of a magnetic field gradient, and a sensor for measuring the movement of the structure at least in balanced mode.

A method is disclosed. In one example, the method includes bonding a first panel of a first material to a base panel in a first gas atmosphere, wherein multiple hermetically sealed first cavities encapsulating gas of the first gas atmosphere are formed between the first panel and the base panel. The method further includes bonding a second panel of a second material to at least one of the base panel and the first panel, wherein multiple second cavities are formed between the second panel and the at least one of the base panel and the first panel.