Proposal of new user interface

Film-based 3-axis force sensor enables a variety of inputs such as "Press", "Twist" and "Slide" by one finger

UI beyond joysticks and mice

Film-based 3-Axis Force Sensor opens new doors to the UI development.

Easy and intuitive input

The sensor returns the value proportional to the amount of shear or friction force when pressed. It enables a single-finger input that conventional sensors cannot support, for example, twist, rotation and slide by one finger.

Thin and flexible

The film-based sensor is thin and lightweight that can be applied not only to flat surfaces but also to curved surfaces. It offers a variety of geometric shapes of your products.

Leather, rubber, etc., flexibility in material selection for the surface

The sensor surface can be wrapped by any types of decorative materials. By using materials such as leather, rubber, or fabric, you can add texture and enhance quality of design.

フィルム型センサー2

Comparison with previous controllers

on / off detection Volume detection Direction input Rotational motion input
Joystick Possible Impossible Possible Mock input
Cross key Possible Impossible Possible Mock input
Mouse Possible Requires a large moving area Requires a large moving area Requires a large moving area
Touch panel Possible Impossible Requires a large moving area Requires a large moving area
Film type
3-axis force sensor
Possible Can be entered with one point (fingertip) Can be entered with one point (fingertip) Can be entered with one point (fingertip)

Features of the Nissha 3-axis force sensor

3-axis force sensing

The sensor detects not only Z-axis pressure but also X-axis and Y-axis pressure applied by one finger.
It also detects rotational friction force up to 360° rotation and a slight motion of the finger while pressing. The sensor is suitable for the system that controls the sound volume or the speed of objects, thanks to its sensing capability of both the magnitude and the direction of the input force. Its sensitivity of the finger motion is higher than the joystick and the button of game consoles.

Applications

・Entertainment devices
 Game controllers, AR/VR devices

・Peripheral devices
  Mice, Touchpads

・Wearable devices
 Earbuds, Smart glasses, Smart watches

・Mobility
 Steering wheels of cars and motor bikes

より詳細のセンサーの特長、仕様