As technology progresses, so do the ways that users interact with the digital world.
Inspired from the basic single-dimensional resistive bending sensors used in the Air Guitar Guitar, this new input device extends the functionality in two axes. It also ditches the single resistor for a series of individually scannable resistors, allowing both for detection of bending in two axes, but also for precise positioning of such an event.
While similar products exist, they are highly specialized and prohibitive. My implementation uses cheaply made flexible PCB boards on a polyimide substrate, covered with conductive paint, such as Bare Conductive ink. This allows for sensors costing under 2 euro for a 9 by 9 centimeter surface.
A further novel contribution is the exploration of alternative substrates, such as canvas, woven plastic, or highly flexible nylon(polyamide) or polyester. Using those materials might pose an interesting engineering challenge, but would allow the sensor to be bent in more complex and expressive ways.
This product is developed as a research project, done as part of my Honors’ track at TU/e. Currently, it is in the idea conception phase. I am highly interested in what kind of Human-Device Interactions this product can enable, and I am looking to cooperate with industrial designers.
Pictured is the first prototype, currently lacking any matrix functionality. It is also not meant to work, since the individual resistances are placed in parallel, not in series, resulting in an insignificant change in resistance whenever a bend occurs. Such a simple oversight that will be fixed with the next iteration.
