Design of inductive sensors for tongue control system for computers and assistive devices

Abstract

Purpose. The paper introduces a novel design of air-core inductive sensors in printed circuit board (PCB) technology for a tongue control system. The tongue control system provides a quadriplegic person with a keyboard and a joystick type of mouse for interaction with a computer or for control of an assistive device.

Method. Activation of inductive sensors was performed with a cylindrical, soft ferromagnetic material (activation unit). Comparative analysis of inductive sensors in PCB technology with existing hand-made inductive sensors was performed with respect to inductance, resistance, and sensitivity to activation when the activation unit was placed in the center of the sensor. Optimisation of the activation unit was performed in a finite element model.

Results. PCBs with air-core inductive sensors were manufactured in a 10 layers, 100 μm and 120 μm line width technology. These sensors provided quality signals that could drive the electronics of the hand-made sensors. Furthermore, changing the geometry of the sensors allowed generation of variable signals correlated with the 2D movement of the activation unit at the sensors' surface.

Conclusion. PCB technology for inductive sensors allows flexibility in design, automation of production and ease of possible integration with supplying electronics. The basic switch function of the inductive sensor can be extended to two-dimensional movement detection for pointing devices.

Keywords:

• Printed circuit board inductor
• assistive devices
• disabled people
• tongue control
• keyboard and pointing devices
• computer interface

Acknowledgements

Co-financing from TKS A/S Denmark is gratefully acknowledged