When it comes to interfaces, we’ve seen a real transformation in smartphones and other gadgets over time. Still finding a place for more here, researchers Ilya Rosenberg and Ken Perlin from the New York University are developing a new kind of pressure sensitive pad based on the Force Sensitive Resistance technique, which besides fingers responds to multiple inputs along with other objects like the foot, stylus and/or drumstick.
Pressure-sensitive pads have existed for years, but their usage has been limited to simple applications only. With this pressure mouse pad in development, which detects pressure and location of several touches and is highly flexible, we could have pressure sensitive pads making into better electronics. The pressure sensitive pads here are built upon a thin metal line-printed plastic sheet, tailored with certain pattern of lines for the intended usage. These electrically conductive sheets are then coated in semi-conductive black pressure sensitive ink.
The two ready sheets are stuck together one upon the other, with polymer ink side facing inwards to allow the conductive lines to create a grid. Every sixth metal line terminates at one edge of the plastic sheets, rest of the wires are not connected to the electronics thus influencing the electrical characteristics of the active lines, helping the software identify the touch. Embedded with a circuit board (micro controller) which provides power to the system of active wires, with the chip converting analog data into digital, which is then send to the computer through a USB or MIDI port.
The prototypes show positive signs of these inexpensive pressure cells making into the electronics, but because the pads are opaque black now, the realism may be far still in practicality. Adding to the multitouch and other abilities mentioned earlier, the pressure sensitive pads, the researchers say are sensitive enough to measure pressure waves in water and air. Being more sensitive than other resistance-sensing devices, the Rosenberg and Perlin’s touch pad could be built into virtually any surface, paving a new dimension of multitouch interfaces. Check out the video and detailing of the concept from the makers themselves, here.
Via: TechnologyReview
