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21 – 30 of over 132000
Article
Publication date: 8 January 2018

Wenqing Kan, Ying Huang, Xiao Zeng, Xiaohui Guo and Ping Liu

The purpose of this paper is to present a dual-mode proximity sensor composed of inductive and capacitive sensing modes, which can help the robot distinguish different objects and…

620

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a dual-mode proximity sensor composed of inductive and capacitive sensing modes, which can help the robot distinguish different objects and obtain distance information at the same time. A systematic study of sensor response to various objects and the function of cooperation sensing is needed. Furthermore, the application in the field of robotic area needs to be discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical modeling of each sensing modes and simulations based on finite element analysis method has been carried out to verify the designed dual-mode sensor. A number of objects composed of different materials are used to research the cooperation perception and proximity sensing functions. In addition, the proposed sensor is used on the palm of a mechanical hand as application experiment.

Findings

The characteristics of the sensor are summarized as follows: the sensing range of inductive mode is 0-5.6 mm for detecting a copper block and the perceive range of capacitive mode is 0-5.1 mm for detecting a plastic block. The collaborative perceive tests validated that the non-ferromagnetism metals can be distinguished by inductive mode. Correspondingly, ferromagnetism metals and dielectric objects are differentiated by capacitive mode. Application experiments results reveal that both plastic bottle and steel bottle could be detected and differentiated. The experimental results are in agreement with those of simulations.

Originality value

This paper provides a study of dual-mode proximity sensor in terms of design, experiments and application.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 38 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 January 2007

Gary Pepka

This paper is designed to encourage electronic device designers to take a new look at a recent technology, Hall‐effect sensing, that has seen exceptional growth in certain areas…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper is designed to encourage electronic device designers to take a new look at a recent technology, Hall‐effect sensing, that has seen exceptional growth in certain areas, but could find much wider application and acceptance due to new supporting technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces Hall‐effect technology, and then explores how it has been applied, in particular, differentiating between the primary types of Hall sensors, and the highly differentiated range of sensing behaviors they can provide. In addition, it explores some of the enabling technologies, such as advances in signal processing, that have made this technology so much more robust than in its earliest days. This allows the application of the extreme high‐reliability benefit of contactless Hall sensing to a broader range of applications than ever before.

Findings

In addition to the advances that have made Hall‐effect sensing more practical, there are additional contributions to the designs of complete solutions. These advances include power and space reduction, as well as integration of diagnostic and protection functions that allow Hall sensor ICs to provide the advanced data‐driven features that are becoming more in demand in miniaturized portable consumer electronics, automobiles, and other growing industries.

Research limitations/implications

The research is intended as a general introduction to an emerging, yet complex technology. It is limited to standard configurations, and simplified explanations of magnetic effects.

Originality/value

This paper can be of great value to application designers who specialize in either the mechanical or electrical engineering disciplines, and who would like a cross‐disciplinary introduction to this technology, which requires a foundation in both areas simultaneously. In addition, the somewhat mysterious realm of electromagnetics is presented in a practical way, allowing the reader to gain enough confidence to begin experimenting with this innovative technology.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 27 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1981

Leon D. Harmon

An extensive survey of over 300 reports worldwide shows that the state‐of‐the‐art in tactile sensing — defined as continuously variable touch sensing over an area where there is…

Abstract

An extensive survey of over 300 reports worldwide shows that the state‐of‐the‐art in tactile sensing — defined as continuously variable touch sensing over an area where there is special resolution — is primitive. Only now is a new level of sophistication beginning to appear. However, for industrial systems the simplest may prove to be the most reliable.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2015

Kun Li, Bo Pan, Juncheng Zhan, Wenpeng Gao, Yili Fu and Shuguo Wang

This paper aims to develop a novel miniature 3-axis force sensor which can detect the interaction forces during tissue palpation in MIS (minimally invasive surgery). MIS offers…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a novel miniature 3-axis force sensor which can detect the interaction forces during tissue palpation in MIS (minimally invasive surgery). MIS offers many significant merits compared with traditional open surgery, the wound to the patients and the postoperative pains are alleviated and reduced dramatically. However, the inherent drawback due to lack of force feedback still exists while conducting some operation procedures. For example, tissue palpation performed easily during open surgery could not be realized in an MIS manner.

Design/methodology/approach

The force sensor is based on the resistive-based sensing method that utilizes strain gauges to measure the strain when the external loads are acting on the tip of the sensor. A novel flexible tripod structure with bending and compression deformations is designed to discriminate the magnitudes and directions of the three orthogonal force components. A linear characteristic matrix is derived to disclose the relationship between the sensitivity and the geometric parameters of the structure, and a straightforward geometric parameterized optimization method considering the sensitivity isotropy is proposed to provide the sensor structure with high sensitivity and adequate stiffness.

Findings

The sensor prototype can perform force measurement with sensing ranges of ± 3.0 N in axial direction and ± 1.5 N in radial direction, and the resolutions are 5 per cent and 1 per cent, respectively. It is concluded that this force sensor is compatible with MIS instruments and the ex-vivo experiment shows that the sensor can be used to perform tissue palpation during MIS procedures.

Originality/value

This paper is intended to address the significant role of force sensing and force feedback during MIS operations, and presents a new application of the resistive-based sensing method in MIS. A tripod structure is designed and a straightforward optimization method considering the sensitivity isotropy of the sensor is proposed to determine geometric parameters suited for the given external loads.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 September 2013

Yap Wing Fen and W. Mahmood Mat Yunus

The purpose of this paper is to review the novel application of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in sensing heavy metal ions and the development of SPR to become an alternative…

1083

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the novel application of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in sensing heavy metal ions and the development of SPR to become an alternative heavy metal ions sensor.

Design/methodology/approach

The possible dangerous toxic effects of heavy metal ions are revealed in the short introduction. The existing conventional methods for sensing heavy metal ions and their drawbacks are also discussed. To overcome these drawbacks, SPR has been investigated from the basic principle to the potential alternative in sensing heavy metal ions.

Findings

Application of SPR in sensing heavy metal ions emerged a decade ago. A wide range of active layers or recognition elements (e.g. polymer, protein, nanoparticles) have been developed to combine with SPR. The detection limit, sensitivity and selectivity of SPR sensing in heavy metal ions have been improved from time to time, until the present.

Originality/value

This paper provides up-to-date and systematic information on SPR sensing for heavy metal ions. Different advancements on active layers or recognition molecules have been discussed in detail and arranged in the order of their chronological evolution. The present review may provide researchers with valuable information regarding novel heavy metal ions sensor using SPR and encourage them to take this area for further research and development.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 March 2024

Boyang Hu, Ling Weng, Kaile Liu, Yang Liu, Zhuolin Li and Yuxin Chen

Gesture recognition plays an important role in many fields such as human–computer interaction, medical rehabilitation, virtual and augmented reality. Gesture recognition using…

Abstract

Purpose

Gesture recognition plays an important role in many fields such as human–computer interaction, medical rehabilitation, virtual and augmented reality. Gesture recognition using wearable devices is a common and effective recognition method. This study aims to combine the inverse magnetostrictive effect and tunneling magnetoresistance effect and proposes a novel wearable sensing glove applied in the field of gesture recognition.

Design/methodology/approach

A magnetostrictive sensing glove with function of gesture recognition is proposed based on Fe-Ni alloy, tunneling magnetoresistive elements, Agilus30 base and square permanent magnets. The sensing glove consists of five sensing units to measure the bending angle of each finger joint. The optimal structure of the sensing units is determined through experimentation and simulation. The output voltage model of the sensing units is established, and the output characteristics of the sensing units are tested by the experimental platform. Fifteen gestures are selected for recognition, and the corresponding output voltages are collected to construct the data set and the data is processed using Back Propagation Neural Network.

Findings

The sensing units can detect the change in the bending angle of finger joints from 0 to 105 degrees and a maximum error of 4.69% between the experimental and theoretical values. The average recognition accuracy of Back Propagation Neural Network is 97.53% for 15 gestures.

Research limitations/implications

The sensing glove can only recognize static gestures at present, and further research is still needed to recognize dynamic gestures.

Practical implications

A new approach to gesture recognition using wearable devices.

Social implications

This study has a broad application prospect in the field of human–computer interaction.

Originality/value

The sensing glove can collect voltage signals under different gestures to realize the recognition of different gestures with good repeatability, which has a broad application prospect in the field of human–computer interaction.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 January 2013

Jiang Qi

The purpose of this paper is to compare the sensing characteristics of uniform fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG) by presenting a detailed research…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the sensing characteristics of uniform fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG) by presenting a detailed research review. Temperature, axial strain, bending, vibration and refractive index measurands of FBG and TFBG sensor are presented and some significant differences are found.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretical analysis and practical application in engineering are investigated and compared from other authors' research papers and self analysis. Spectra behavior of both FBG and TFBG are discussed.

Findings

There are found to be significant differences in temperature, axial strain, bending, vibration and refractive index sensing characteristics of FBG and TFBG.

Originality/value

The paper's analysis is comprehensive and clear and provides readers with the sensing characteristics of FBG and TFBG in detail.

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2024

Xingxing Li, Shixi You, Zengchang Fan, Guangjun Li and Li Fu

This review provides an overview of recent advances in electrochemical sensors for analyte detection in saliva, highlighting their potential applications in diagnostics and health…

Abstract

Purpose

This review provides an overview of recent advances in electrochemical sensors for analyte detection in saliva, highlighting their potential applications in diagnostics and health care. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the current state of the field, identify challenges and limitations and discuss future prospects for the development of saliva-based electrochemical sensors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews relevant literature and research articles to examine the latest developments in electrochemical sensing technologies for saliva analysis. It explores the use of various electrode materials, including carbon nanomaterial, metal nanoparticles and conducting polymers, as well as the integration of microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices and wearable/implantable technologies. The design and fabrication methodologies used in these sensors are discussed, along with sample preparation techniques and biorecognition elements for enhancing sensor performance.

Findings

Electrochemical sensors for salivary analyte detection have demonstrated excellent potential for noninvasive, rapid and cost-effective diagnostics. Recent advancements have resulted in improved sensor selectivity, stability, sensitivity and compatibility with complex saliva samples. Integration with microfluidics and LOC technologies has shown promise in enhancing sensor efficiency and accuracy. In addition, wearable and implantable sensors enable continuous, real-time monitoring of salivary analytes, opening new avenues for personalized health care and disease management.

Originality/value

This review presents an up-to-date overview of electrochemical sensors for analyte detection in saliva, offering insights into their design, fabrication and performance. It highlights the originality and value of integrating electrochemical sensing with microfluidics, wearable/implantable technologies and point-of-care testing platforms. The review also identifies challenges and limitations, such as interference from other saliva components and the need for improved stability and reproducibility. Future prospects include the development of novel microfluidic devices, advanced materials and user-friendly diagnostic devices to unlock the full potential of saliva-based electrochemical sensing in clinical practice.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 June 2009

Robert Bogue

The purpose of this paper is to review the industrial sensing applications of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and is in two parts. This, the second part, considers the infrared…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the industrial sensing applications of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and is in two parts. This, the second part, considers the infrared (IR) to radio‐frequency (RF) spectral regions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses the sensing applications of EMR in the IR to RF region, through reference to the techniques employed, products and their applications.

Findings

This paper shows that this spectral region is used in a diversity of sensors for the measurement of physical variables, gases and chemical compounds. The most widely used phenomena are absorption and reflection. Applications are found in a wide range of industries.

Originality/value

This paper provides a detailed review of the sensing uses of EMR with wavelengths longer than visible light.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2013

Robert Bogue

This paper aims to describe the nanosensor research reported at the “Nanomaterials: Applications & Properties 2012” conference, held in the Ukraine in September 2012.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the nanosensor research reported at the “Nanomaterials: Applications & Properties 2012” conference, held in the Ukraine in September 2012.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short overview of the event, this paper describes the nanosensor research reported at the conference, arranged according to the variables involved, i.e. chemical sensing, gas sensors and physical sensing. Brief consideration is also given to developments in power sources.

Findings

This shows that, although nanosensors were not a major theme at the event, several innovative developments for sensing a range of molecular and physical variables were reported.

Originality/value

This paper provides details of the nanosensor research reported at “Nanomaterials: Applications & Properties 2012”.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

21 – 30 of over 132000