Prior attempts to combine these functions on a single device have failed due to overlapping signals of the various stimuli. As the sensor is readily applied to the human skin, it could provide a seamless interactive platform for virtual and augmented reality scenarios. The researchers published their results in the scientific journal Nature Communications.
Skin is the largest human organ and is likely the most functionally versatile part of the body. It is not only able to differentiate between the most varied stimuli within seconds, but it can also classify the intensity of signals over a broad range.
A research team led by Dr. Denys Makarov from HZDR’s Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research as well the Soft Electronics Laboratory led by Prof. Martin Kaltenbrunner at Linz University have managed to produce an electronic counterpart with similar characteristics.
According to the scientists, the sensor could simplify the interplay between humans and machines, as Denys Makarov explains: “Applications in virtual reality are becoming increasingly more complex. We therefore need devices which can process and discriminate multiple interaction modes.”
The current systems, however, work either by only registering physical touch or by tracking objects in a touchless manner. Both interaction pathways have now been combined for the first time on the sensor, which has been termed a “magnetic microelectromechanical system” (m-MEMS) by the scientists.
“Our sensor processes the electrical signals of the touchless and the tactile interactions in different regions,” said Dr. Jin Ge from HZDR, adding, “and in this way, it can differentiate the stimuli’s origin in real time and suppress disturbing influences from other sources.” The foundation for this work is the unusual design the scientists worked out.
On a thin polymer film, they first fabricated a magnetic sensor, which relies on what is known as the Giant Magneto Resistance (GMR). This film in turn was sealed by a silicon-based polymer layer (polydimethylsiloxane) containing a round cavity designed to be precisely aligned with the sensor. Inside this void, the researchers integrated a flexible permanent magnet with pyramid-like tips protruding from its surface.
“The result is rather more reminiscent of cling film with optical embellishments,” commented Makarov. “But this is precisely one of our sensor’s strengths.” This is how it remains so exceptionally flexible: it fits all environments perfectly. Even under curved conditions, it works without losing its functionality. The sensor can thus very easily be placed, for example, on the fingertip.
The scientists tested their development by using the leaf of a daisy to which was attached a permanent magnet, whose magnetic field points in the opposite direction of the magnet attached to our platform.
"As the finger approaches this external magnetic field, the electrical resistance of the GMR sensor changes: it drops. This occurs until the point when the finger actually touches the leaf. At this moment, it rises abruptly because the built-in permanent magnet is pressed closer to the GMR sensor and thus superimposes the external magnetic field.
"This is how our m-MEMS platform can register a clear shift from touchless to tactile interaction in seconds”, explained Jin Ge.
The sensor can selectively control both physical and virtual objects, as one of the experiments conducted by the team demonstrated using a glass plate with which they furnished a permanent magnet. They were able to project virtual buttons that manipulated real conditions, such as the room temperature or brightness.
Using a finger on which the “electronic skin” had been applied, the scientists were able to select the desired virtual function through interaction with the permanent magnet. As soon as the finger touched the plate, the m-MEMS platform switched automatically to the tactile interaction mode. Light or heavy pressure could then be used, for example, to lower or increase the room temperature.
The researchers cut down an activity that had previously required several interactions to merely one.
“This may sound like a small step at first,” said Martin Kaltenbrunner. “In the long-term, however, a better interface between humans and machines can be built on this foundation.”
This “electronic skin” – in addition to virtual reality spaces – could also be used, for example, in sterile environments. Surgeons could use the sensors to handle medical equipment without touching it during a procedure, which would reduce the danger of contamination.