Deformable human interface device
An interface device includes an electronic trace comprising a fluid phase conductor. The electronic trace is configured to transmit a current from a first end of the electronic trace to a second end of the electronic trace. A portion of the electronic trace is configured to receive a physical manipulation from a user, where the physical manipulation causes a change in current along the electronic trace which is configured to be interpreted as a control action. The electronic trace is further configured to sense a strain field produced by the physical manipulation by the user and interpret the strain field as a variable control action.
1 . An interface device, comprising:
an electronic trace comprising a fluid phase conductor, the electronic trace configured to transmit a current from a first end of the electronic trace to a second end of the electronic trace;
wherein a portion of the electronic trace is configured to receive a physical manipulation from a user, the physical manipulation causing a change in current along the electronic trace which is configured to be interpreted as a control action;
wherein the electronic trace is further configured to sense a strain field produced by the physical manipulation by the user and interpret the strain field as a variable control action.
2 . The interface device of claim 1 , wherein the physical manipulation comprises one or more of flexing, twisting, stretching, or compressing at least a portion of the electronic trace.
3 . The interface device of claim 2 , wherein a degree of the physical manipulation produces the variable control action.
4 . The interface device of claim 1 , wherein the change in current is caused by a change in resistance of the electronic trace.
5 . The interface device of claim 1 , further comprising a button, operatively coupled to the electronic trace, and configured to input a binary control action.
6 . The interface device of claim 5 , wherein the button opens a circuit including the electronic trace.
7 . The interface device of claim 1 , wherein the electronic trace comprises:
a sensor portion configured to detect the strain field; and
a transmission portion.
8 . The interface device of claim 7 , further comprising an interconnect operatively coupled to the transmission portion of the electronic trace, the interconnect configured to output the variable control action.
9 . The interface device of claim 1 , wherein the electronic trace has a length at least ten times greater than a width or a thickness of the electronic trace.
10 . The interface device of claim 1 , wherein the control action includes the variable control action.
11 . The interface device of claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a deformable housing, and the trace is integrated with the deformable housing.
12 . A method, comprising:
forming an electronic trace comprising a fluid phase conductor on a substrate, the electronic trace extending along the substrate, the electronic trace configured to transmit a current from a first end of the electronic trace to a second end of the electronic trace;
wherein a portion of the electronic trace is configured to receive a physical manipulation from a user, the physical manipulation causing a change in current along the electronic trace which is configured to be interpreted as a control action;
wherein the electronic trace is further configured to sense a strain field within the electronic trace produced by the physical manipulation by the user and interpret the strain field as a variable control action.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the method includes integrating the trace to a deformable housing.
14 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the physical manipulation comprises one or more of flexing, twisting, stretching, or compressing at least a portion of the electronic trace.
15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein a degree of the physical manipulation produces the variable control action.
16 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the change in current is caused by a change in resistance of the electronic trace.
17 . The method of claim 16 , further comprising operatively coupling a button to the electronic trace, the button configured to input a binary control action.
18 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the binary control action is caused by opening a circuit including the electronic trace.
19 . The method claim 12 , wherein the substrate is comprised of at least one of a solid polymer, a foam polymer, a fiberglass metal, or natural materials.
20 . The method of claim 12 , wherein applying the electronic trace comprises forming:
a sensor portion configured to detect the strain field; and
a transmission portion.
21 . The method of claim 12 , wherein applying the electronic trace includes forming the electronic trace with a length at least ten times greater than a width or thickness of the electronic trace.