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Artificial Skin Sensor Using 2D Electrical Impedance Tomography: The Sensitivity Volume Method | IEEE Conference Publication | IEEE Xplore

Artificial Skin Sensor Using 2D Electrical Impedance Tomography: The Sensitivity Volume Method


Abstract:

The sensitivity volume (SV) method for electrical impedance tomography allows for noninvasive, real-time electri-cal imaging using noise-robust resistance measurements. W...Show More

Abstract:

The sensitivity volume (SV) method for electrical impedance tomography allows for noninvasive, real-time electri-cal imaging using noise-robust resistance measurements. With the SV figure of merit, a set of highly sensitive measurements are optimized for the problem at hand. This method, applied to multi-walled carbon nanotube infused elastomers produces artificial skin sensors whose electrical readout is robust against wear and deformation. This work demonstrates an experimental implementation of the SV method for 2D tomography to demonstrate a 3 x 3 keypad sensor. The result exhibits high pattern fidelity, improved resolution, a minimal number of measurements, and high signal to noise.
Date of Conference: 15-17 October 2024
Date Added to IEEE Xplore: 11 December 2024
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Conference Location: Chicago, IL, USA

I. Introduction

The future of wearable artificial skin sensors requires inexpensive, flexible, easy to read sensors with highly sensitive, noise-robust measurements. Traditionally, touch sensor plat-forms are rigid, or consist of an array of many local sensors, one for each sensitized location. Conductive elastomer materi-als whose internal conductivity changes with external strain are a promising solution for inexpensive, easy-to-fabricate touch sensors for artificial skin applications [1]–[3]. However, in contrast to the readout simplicity of traditional touch arrays, the use of conductive elastomers requires a higher degree of readout complexity. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a non-invasive imaging modality whereby resistance measurements taken from the material periphery are used to reconstruct the internal conductivity. In the context of elastomer sensors, when the elastomer's conductivity changes under local strain, such a readout method for material sensing can turn the entire elastomer area into a sensor, with peripheral contacts that make best use of the sensing surface area. When EIT is applied using the sensitivity volume (SV) method previously proposed by the authors [4], resolution and noise limitations of standard EIT methods [5]–[13] can be overcome. Examples of the challenges of traditional EIT include low resolution in the central regions of sensors [14]–[16] and difficulty in identifying two simultaneous press events [11], [12]. In this work, we will demonstrate an artificial skin sensor that uses the SV method for 2D electrical impedance tomography for real time, noise robust sensing and the ability to distinguish between multiple press events.

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