Research

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14 pages, 5642 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Data-Driven Contact-Based Thermosensation for Enhanced Tactile Recognition

by Tiancheng Ma and Min Zhang

Sensors 2024, 24(2), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24020369 - 08 Jan 2024

Viewed by 782

Thermal feedback plays an important role in tactile perception, greatly influencing fields such as autonomous robot systems and virtual reality. The further development of intelligent systems demands enhanced thermosensation, such as the measurement of thermal properties of objects to aid in more accurate [...] Read more.

Thermal feedback plays an important role in tactile perception, greatly influencing fields such as autonomous robot systems and virtual reality. The further development of intelligent systems demands enhanced thermosensation, such as the measurement of thermal properties of objects to aid in more accurate system perception. However, this continues to present certain challenges in contact-based scenarios. For this reason, this study innovates by using the concept of semi-infinite equivalence to design a thermosensation system. A discrete transient heat transfer model was established. Subsequently, a data-driven method was introduced, integrating the developed model with a back propagation (BP) neural network containing dual hidden layers, to facilitate accurate calculation for contact materials. The network was trained using the thermophysical data of 67 types of materials generated by the heat transfer model. An experimental setup, employing flexible thin-film devices, was constructed to measure three solid materials under various heating conditions. Results indicated that measurement errors stayed within 10% for thermal conductivity and 20% for thermal diffusion. This approach not only enables quick, quantitative calculation and identification of contact materials but also simplifies the measurement process by eliminating the need for initial temperature adjustments, and minimizing errors due to model complexity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advanced Flexible Electronic Devices)

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11 pages, 5600 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Terahertz Attenuated Total Reflection Spectral Response and Signal Enhancement via Plasmonic Enhanced Sensor for Eye Drop Detection

by Eugene Soh Jia Hao, Nan Zhang, Qiang Zhu, Xizu Wang and Karen Ke Lin

Sensors 2023, 23(19), 8290; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23198290 - 07 Oct 2023

Viewed by 776

Abstract

With chronic ocular diseases such as glaucoma and dry eye syndrome, patients have to apply eye drops over the long term. The therapeutic effects of eye drops depend on the amount of drug contained and the stability of the solution. In addition, contamination [...] Read more.

With chronic ocular diseases such as glaucoma and dry eye syndrome, patients have to apply eye drops over the long term. The therapeutic effects of eye drops depend on the amount of drug contained and the stability of the solution. In addition, contamination during usage and transport can also negatively affect the quality and efficacy of eye drops. The current techniques for the characterization of eye drops are often complicated and time-consuming. Developing a fast and non-invasive way of accurately measuring eye drop quality remains an ongoing challenge. The biggest challenge and primary prerequisite for the application of this new detection technique for eye drops is the obtention of a sufficient spectral response and resolvable signal, considering the large background signal contributed by water. In this work, we use terahertz (THz) attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy combined with a sensitive hybrid graphene oxide (GO) and carbon nanotube (CNT) thin-film sensors to obtain distinct THz spectral signals in commercial eye drops. Various commercial eye drop products have been tested, and we show that they can be differentiated via their spectral signals. Our results provide a solid foundation for the future fine analysis of eye drops and the detection of their quality. Furthermore, THz spectroscopy combined with GO/CNT films has significant potential and advantages for the non-destructive characterization of aqueous pharmaceutical products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advanced Flexible Electronic Devices)

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22 pages, 5234 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dual-Gate Organic Thin-Film Transistor and Multiplexer Chips for the Next Generation of Flexible EG-ISFET Sensor Chips

by Ashkan Rezaee and Jordi Carrabina

Sensors 2023, 23(14), 6577; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23146577 - 21 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1545

Abstract

Ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFETs) are used as elementary devices to build many types of chemical sensors and biosensors. Organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) ISFETs use either small molecules or polymers as semiconductors together with an additive manufacturing process of much lower cost than standard [...] Read more.

Ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFETs) are used as elementary devices to build many types of chemical sensors and biosensors. Organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) ISFETs use either small molecules or polymers as semiconductors together with an additive manufacturing process of much lower cost than standard silicon sensors and have the additional advantage of being environmentally friendly. OTFT ISFETs’ drawbacks include limited sensitivity and higher variability. In this paper, we propose a novel design technique for integrating extended-gate OTFT ISFETs (OTFT EG-ISFETs) together with dual-gate OTFT multiplexers (MUXs) made in the same process. The achieved results show that our OTFT ISFET sensors are of the state of the art of the literature. Our microsystem architecture enables switching between the different ISFETs implemented in the chip. In the case of sensors with the same gain, we have a fault-tolerant architecture since we are able to replace the faulty sensor with a fault-free one on the chip. For a chip including sensors with different gains, an external processor can select the sensor with the required sensitivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advanced Flexible Electronic Devices)

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14 pages, 5741 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transparent Pneumatic Tactile Sensors for Soft Biomedical Robotics

by Sinuo Zhao, Chi Cong Nguyen, Trung Thien Hoang, Thanh Nho Do and Hoang-Phuong Phan

Sensors 2023, 23(12), 5671; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23125671 - 17 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1613

Abstract

Palpation is a simple but effective method to distinguish tumors from healthy tissues. The development of miniaturized tactile sensors embedded on endoscopic or robotic devices is key to achieving precise palpation diagnosis and subsequent timely treatment. This paper reports on the fabrication and [...] Read more.

Palpation is a simple but effective method to distinguish tumors from healthy tissues. The development of miniaturized tactile sensors embedded on endoscopic or robotic devices is key to achieving precise palpation diagnosis and subsequent timely treatment. This paper reports on the fabrication and characterization of a novel tactile sensor with mechanical flexibility and optical transparency that can be easily mounted on soft surgical endoscopes and robotics. By utilizing the pneumatic sensing mechanism, the sensor offers a high sensitivity of 1.25 mbar and negligible hysteresis, enabling the detection of phantom tissues with different stiffnesses ranging from 0 to 2.5 MPa. Our configuration, combining pneumatic sensing and hydraulic actuating, also eliminates electrical wiring from the functional elements located at the robot end-effector, thereby enhancing the system safety. The optical transparency path in the sensors together with its mechanical sensing capability open interesting possibilities in the early detection of solid tumor as well as in the development of all-in-one soft surgical robots that can perform visual/mechanical feedback and optical therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advanced Flexible Electronic Devices)

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12 pages, 3589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Near-Infrared Light-Responsive Hydrogels for Highly Flexible Bionic Photosensors

by Rui Huang, Zhenhua Fan, Bin Xue, Junpeng Ma and Qundong Shen

Sensors 2023, 23(9), 4560; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23094560 - 08 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1648

Abstract

Soft biological tissues perform various functions. Sensory nerves bring sensations of light, voice, touch, pain, or temperature variation to the central nervous system. Animal senses have inspired tremendous sensors for biomedical applications. Following the same principle as photosensitive nerves, we design flexible ionic [...] Read more.

Soft biological tissues perform various functions. Sensory nerves bring sensations of light, voice, touch, pain, or temperature variation to the central nervous system. Animal senses have inspired tremendous sensors for biomedical applications. Following the same principle as photosensitive nerves, we design flexible ionic hydrogels to achieve a biologic photosensor. The photosensor allows responding to near-infrared light, which is converted into a sensory electric signal that can communicate with nerve cells. Furthermore, with adjustable thermal and/or electrical signal outputs, it provides abundant tools for biological regulation. The tunable photosensitive performances, high flexibility, and low cost endow the photosensor with widespread applications ranging from neural prosthetics to human–machine interfacing systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advanced Flexible Electronic Devices)

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10 pages, 5066 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PVDF Membrane-Based Dual-Channel Acoustic Sensor Integrating the Fabry–Pérot and Piezoelectric Effects

by Qingkai Yao, Linfang Xie, Xing Guo, Fapeng Yu and Xian Zhao

Sensors 2023, 23(7), 3444; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23073444 - 24 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1337

Abstract

A resonant acoustic wave detector combined with Fabry–Pérot interference (FPI) and piezoelectric (PE) effects based on a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric film was proposed to enhance the ability of the sensor to detect acoustic signals in a specific frequency band. The deformation of [...] Read more.

A resonant acoustic wave detector combined with Fabry–Pérot interference (FPI) and piezoelectric (PE) effects based on a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric film was proposed to enhance the ability of the sensor to detect acoustic signals in a specific frequency band. The deformation of circular thin films was indicated by the interference and piezoelectric effects simultaneously, and the noise level was decreased by the real-time convolution of the two-way parallel signal. This study reveals that, at the film’s resonance frequency, the minimum detection limits for the FPI and piezoelectric impacts on acoustic waves are 3.39 μPa/Hz^1/2 and 20.8 μPa/Hz^1/2, respectively. The convolution result shows that the background noise was reduced by 98.81% concerning the piezoelectric signal, and by 85.21% concerning the FPI signal. The convolution’s signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was several times greater than the other two signals at 10 mPa. Therefore, this resonance sensor, which the FPI and the piezoelectric effect synergistically enhance, can be applied to scenarios of acoustic wave detection in a specific frequency band and with ultrahigh sensitivity requirements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advanced Flexible Electronic Devices)

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21 pages, 4804 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Slider Sheet Detection in Charge-Induction Electrostatic Film Actuators

by Motoki Kojima, Shunsuke Yoshimoto and Akio Yamamoto

Sensors 2023, 23(3), 1529; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23031529 - 30 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1740

Abstract

This work analyzes a built-in slider detection method for a charge-induction type electrostatic film actuator with a high surface-resistance slider. In the detection method, one stator electrode is detached from the parallel driving electrodes and is dedicated to sensing. When a slider with [...] Read more.

This work analyzes a built-in slider detection method for a charge-induction type electrostatic film actuator with a high surface-resistance slider. In the detection method, one stator electrode is detached from the parallel driving electrodes and is dedicated to sensing. When a slider with induced charges moves over the sensing electrode, electrostatic induction occurs in the sensing electrode, which causes an electric current. The current is converted to a voltage through a detection resistance, which will be an output of the sensing circuit. This paper provides a framework to analyze the output signal waveform and shows that the waveform consists of two components. One component is caused by driving voltage and appears regardless of the existence of a slider. The other component corresponds to the movement of a slider, which appears only when a slider is moving over the sensing electrode. Therefore, the slider can be detected by monitoring the latter component. The two components generally overlap, which makes the detection of the latter component difficult in some cases. This paper proposes a method to decouple the two components by switching the detection resistance at an appropriate time. These methods are verified using a prototype actuator that has an electrode pitch of 0.6 mm. The actuator was driven with a set of pulse voltages with an amplitude of 1000 V. The experimental results show similar waveforms to the analytical results, verifying the proposed analytical framework. The performance of the sensing method as a proximity sensor was verified in the experiments, and it was confirmed that the slider can be detected when it approaches the sensing electrode within about 3 mm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advanced Flexible Electronic Devices)

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Review

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35 pages, 4041 KiB

Open AccessReview

Retinal Prostheses: Engineering and Clinical Perspectives for Vision Restoration

by Kevin Y. Wu, Mina Mina, Jean-Yves Sahyoun, Ananda Kalevar and Simon D. Tran

Sensors 2023, 23(13), 5782; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23135782 - 21 Jun 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5440

Abstract

A retinal prosthesis, also known as a bionic eye, is a device that can be implanted to partially restore vision in patients with retinal diseases that have resulted in the loss of photoreceptors (e.g., age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa). Recently, there have [...] Read more.

A retinal prosthesis, also known as a bionic eye, is a device that can be implanted to partially restore vision in patients with retinal diseases that have resulted in the loss of photoreceptors (e.g., age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa). Recently, there have been major breakthroughs in retinal prosthesis technology, with the creation of numerous types of implants, including epiretinal, subretinal, and suprachoroidal sensors. These devices can stimulate the remaining cells in the retina with electric signals to create a visual sensation. A literature review of the pre-clinical and clinical studies published between 2017 and 2023 is conducted. This narrative review delves into the retinal anatomy, physiology, pathology, and principles underlying electronic retinal prostheses. Engineering aspects are explored, including electrode–retina alignment, electrode size and material, charge density, resolution limits, spatial selectivity, and bidirectional closed-loop systems. This article also discusses clinical aspects, focusing on safety, adverse events, visual function, outcomes, and the importance of rehabilitation programs. Moreover, there is ongoing debate over whether implantable retinal devices still offer a promising approach for the treatment of retinal diseases, considering the recent emergence of cell-based and gene-based therapies as well as optogenetics. This review compares retinal prostheses with these alternative therapies, providing a balanced perspective on their advantages and limitations. The recent advancements in retinal prosthesis technology are also outlined, emphasizing progress in engineering and the outlook of retinal prostheses. While acknowledging the challenges and complexities of the technology, this article highlights the significant potential of retinal prostheses for vision restoration in individuals with retinal diseases and calls for continued research and development to refine and enhance their performance, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advanced Flexible Electronic Devices)

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31 pages, 3591 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Brief Review on Flexible Electronics for IoT: Solutions for Sustainability and New Perspectives for Designers

by Graziella Scandurra, Antonella Arena and Carmine Ciofi

Sensors 2023, 23(11), 5264; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23115264 - 01 Jun 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3023

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) is gaining more and more popularity and it is establishing itself in all areas, from industry to everyday life. Given its pervasiveness and considering the problems that afflict today’s world, that must be carefully monitored and addressed to [...] Read more.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is gaining more and more popularity and it is establishing itself in all areas, from industry to everyday life. Given its pervasiveness and considering the problems that afflict today’s world, that must be carefully monitored and addressed to guarantee a future for the new generations, the sustainability of technological solutions must be a focal point in the activities of researchers in the field. Many of these solutions are based on flexible, printed or wearable electronics. The choice of materials therefore becomes fundamental, just as it is crucial to provide the necessary power supply in a green way. In this paper we want to analyze the state of the art of flexible electronics for the IoT, paying particular attention to the issue of sustainability. Furthermore, considerations will be made on how the skills required for the designers of such flexible circuits, the features required to the new design tools and the characterization of electronic circuits are changing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advanced Flexible Electronic Devices)

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