A universal pressure measurement system and method for flexible resistive array sensors

Abstract

The application discloses a universal pressure measurement system for a flexible resistive array sensor, comprising a universal adapter, a special measurement host; the application also discloses a pressure measurement method using the universal pressure measurement system, comprising the following steps: (1) connecting a flexible resistive sensor array to be measured with a special measurement host through an interface of a universal adapter; (2) placing the flexible resistive sensor array to be measured on the surface of an object to be measured and applying a pressure to be measured; (3) applying an excitation to the flexible resistive sensor array through the universal adapter by the special measurement host and measuring the resistance response of each sensing unit of the flexible resistive sensor array; (4) converting the measured resistance response into two-dimensional pressure distribution information by the special measurement host; and (5) outputting and displaying the two-dimensional pressure distribution information. The application solves the problems of unreliable connection, low measurement efficiency and non-intuitive data processing of the existing measurement mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sensing and measurement technology, and specifically to a general pressure measurement system and method for flexible resistive array sensors. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible resistive array sensors (or pressure distribution thin-film sensors) are widely used in various fields such as robotic electronic skin, ergonomics (such as pressure analysis of seats and insoles), industrial tactile detection, and medical rehabilitation monitoring due to their flexibility, thinness, and ability to measure surface pressure distribution.

[0003] To ensure the sensing accuracy and consistency of flexible resistive array sensors in practical applications, their performance needs to be measured by a measurement system before they leave the factory. Currently, the following technical bottlenecks are commonly encountered when connecting such sensors to measurement systems: Poor connection reliability: Sensor arrays typically have dozens to hundreds of miniature, high-density electrode leads. Common ribbon cable clips or soldering methods are unstable, prone to poor contact, and the sensor is easily damaged due to misalignment during insertion and removal. Low measurement efficiency: Due to the lack of dedicated measurement equipment, general-purpose digital multimeters or data acquisition cards are usually used for measurement. These devices have a limited number of channels and require manual switching or cascading of multiple units. They cannot achieve synchronous or high-speed scanning of all sensing units, and therefore cannot accurately capture dynamically changing pressure fields. Poor signal quality: The output signal of the flexible sensor is weak and susceptible to long-distance transmission and environmental electromagnetic interference. Existing general-purpose equipment lacks targeted front-end signal conditioning (such as amplification and filtering), resulting in low signal-to-noise ratio and decreased measurement accuracy. Lack of dedicated processing: General-purpose equipment does not include calibration algorithms, temperature compensation algorithms, or specialized software that can intuitively convert raw resistance data into pressure distribution maps for specific sensor nonlinear characteristics. Users need to develop complex back-end processing programs themselves, which has a high technical threshold and low system integration.

[0004] Therefore, a complete system integrating dedicated interfaces, high-speed acquisition, and intelligent analysis is needed to solve the above problems and fully realize the application potential of flexible resistive array sensors. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a universal pressure measurement system and method for flexible resistive array sensors, solving the problems of unreliable connection, low measurement efficiency, and unintuitive data processing in existing measurement methods.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a universal pressure measurement system for flexible resistive array sensors, comprising: A universal adapter includes an interface adapted to the electrodes of the flexible resistive sensing array to be measured, for establishing a connection with the flexible resistive sensing array. A dedicated measurement host, connected to the universal adapter, is used to apply excitation to the flexible resistive sensing array through the universal adapter and measure its multi-channel resistance response, and convert the multi-channel resistance response into two-dimensional pressure distribution information.

[0007] In the above solution, by setting an interface adapted to the electrodes of the flexible resistive sensing array, the convenience and reliability of the connection can be improved compared to the connection methods using ribbon clips or soldering in the prior art. In addition, by using a dedicated measurement host that integrates excitation application, multi-channel resistance acquisition and data processing functions, the shortcomings of traditional measurement using general-purpose equipment, such as low efficiency and the need for self-developed programs, are overcome, the difficulty of data processing is reduced, and the measurement efficiency is improved.

[0008] Furthermore, the interface of the universal adapter is provided with an anti-misinsertion structure, which adopts at least one of an asymmetrical mechanical guiding structure, an asymmetrical magnetic component mating structure, and a keyway mating structure.

[0009] Based on the above scheme, damage caused by electrode misalignment in flexible resistive sensing arrays can be avoided, and alignment connection can be performed conveniently, efficiently, and accurately. Among them, the mechanical guiding structure can use the asymmetry of the cross-sectional shape of the interface shell or plug to generate physical interference to the electrodes, for example, a D-shaped or trapezoidal interface structure can be used; The asymmetrical magnetic component mating structure can use the attraction between different polarities of magnets and the repulsion between the same polarity to prevent misinsertion. For example, several magnetic components with different polarities are set between the interface and the electrode. When inserted in the correct direction, a magnetic attraction effect will be generated, and when inserted in the wrong direction, a repulsive force will be generated, which will prevent the insertion of the electrode. The keyway mating structure utilizes the key / slot on the interface and the slot / key on the electrode for alignment and insertion. Insertion can only be successful when the key and slot are aligned; otherwise, interference will occur, hindering the insertion of the electrode.

[0010] Furthermore, the universal adapter integrates at least one of a signal conditioning circuit and an electromagnetic shielding structure, wherein the signal conditioning circuit includes a preamplifier.

[0011] Based on the above scheme, the anti-interference capability and measurement accuracy of the system can be effectively improved.

[0012] Furthermore, the universal adapter includes an adapter body and an adapter head detachably connected to the adapter body. The interface is disposed on the adapter head and is equipped with gold-plated elastic probes that make contact with electrodes. The size, shape, or pin definition of the interface can be changed by replacing different adapter heads.

[0013] Based on the above solution, the size, shape or pin definition of the interface can be changed simply by replacing the corresponding adapter head, which can improve the adaptability of the measurement system to flexible resistive sensor arrays of different specifications; the gold-plated elastic probe with low contact resistance can ensure the quality of electrical contact.

[0014] Furthermore, the universal adapter integrates a storage chip that stores the model, calibration parameters, or identification information of the flexible resistive sensor array, and can be read by the dedicated measurement host.

[0015] Based on the above solution, the dedicated measurement host can match the corresponding measurement configuration by reading the model, calibration parameters or identification information stored in the chip, reducing the inconvenience and errors of manual configuration and improving measurement efficiency.

[0016] Furthermore, the dedicated measurement host includes a multi-channel synchronous scanning circuit for synchronously or at high speed switching to measure the resistance values ​​of multiple sensing units of the flexible resistive sensing array in order to capture dynamic pressure changes.

[0017] In the above scheme, by integrating a multi-channel synchronous scanning circuit into a dedicated measurement host, the synchronous and high-speed acquisition of the resistance values ​​of each sensing unit of the flexible resistive sensing array can be achieved, enabling the measurement system to capture the dynamically changing pressure field in real time and accurately.

[0018] Furthermore, the dedicated measurement host includes a data processing module, which is used to convert the measured resistance value matrix into a pressure value matrix according to a pre-stored resistance and pressure relationship model, perform temperature compensation and spatial filtering on the converted pressure value matrix, and present the processed pressure data in real time on the display interface in the form of a two-dimensional pressure distribution map.

[0019] In the above scheme, the data processing module can convert the resistance value matrix into a pressure value matrix and display it in real time on the display interface in the form of a two-dimensional pressure distribution map, so that users can intuitively monitor and analyze the pressure field.

[0020] Furthermore, the data processing module is also used to perform advanced analysis operations, including at least one of calculating the pressure center trajectory, identifying the maximum pressure point, calculating the average pressure of a specific area, or generating a report on pressure changes over time.

[0021] In the above solution, the data processing module can provide users with intuitive trajectory tracking, peak identification, and regional statistics by performing advanced analysis operations, which simplifies the data processing process and improves the efficiency of analyzing pressure changes.

[0022] The present invention also provides a pressure measurement method, which employs the aforementioned general pressure measurement system and specifically includes the following steps: (1) Connect the flexible resistive sensor array to be measured to the dedicated measurement host through the interface of the universal adapter; (2) Place the flexible resistive sensor array to be measured on the surface of the object to be measured and apply the pressure to be measured; (3) The dedicated measurement host applies excitation to the flexible resistive sensing array through a universal adapter and measures the resistance response of each sensing unit. (4) The dedicated measuring host converts the measured resistance response into two-dimensional pressure distribution information; (5) Output and display the two-dimensional pressure distribution information.

[0023] Further, in step (1), the adapter on the universal adapter is replaced according to the specifications of the flexible resistive sensing array so that the size, shape or pin definition of the interface is adapted to the flexible resistive sensing array; In step (1), alignment connection is achieved by setting an anti-misinsertion structure on the interface. The anti-misinsertion structure adopts an asymmetrical mechanical guide structure, an asymmetrical magnetic component, or a keyway structure. In step (1), after the connection is established, the dedicated measurement host reads the storage chip integrated inside the universal adapter to obtain the model, calibration parameters or identification information of the flexible resistive sensing array. In step (3), the resistance response of each sensing unit of the flexible resistive sensing array is pre-amplified by the signal conditioning circuit integrated inside the universal adapter, and / or environmental interference is suppressed by the electromagnetic shielding structure integrated inside the universal adapter. In step (3), the dynamic pressure changes of the flexible resistive sensing array are captured using a multi-channel synchronous scanning circuit; In step (4), based on the pre-stored resistance and pressure relationship model, the resistance value matrix corresponding to the resistance response is converted into a pressure value matrix, and temperature compensation and spatial filtering are performed on the converted pressure value matrix. After step (5), the dedicated measurement host also performs advanced analysis operations, which include at least one of calculating the pressure center trajectory, identifying the maximum pressure point, calculating the average pressure of a specific area, or generating a report on pressure changes over time.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By setting up an adapter interface and an anti-misinsertion structure, this invention improves the reliability and ease of operation of flexible resistive sensor array connections; by utilizing a modular adapter head design, it achieves connection adaptability for flexible resistive sensor arrays of different specifications; by combining multi-channel synchronous scanning, signal conditioning, and compensation algorithms, it ensures high accuracy and consistency of data during dynamic measurement; and by outputting a two-dimensional pressure distribution map and a quantitative analysis report in real time, it simplifies the data processing flow and effectively improves the efficiency of pressure change analysis. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall architecture of the measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a universal adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the module of the dedicated measurement host according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a detailed flowchart illustrating the data processing and algorithm conversion process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a two-dimensional pressure distribution diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of the pressure measurement method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] An embodiment of the present invention for a universal pressure measurement system using a flexible resistive array sensor, such as... Figure 1-6 As shown, it includes: A universal adapter 1 includes an interface 2 adapted to the electrodes of the flexible resistive sensing array to be measured, for establishing a connection with the flexible resistive sensing array. A dedicated measurement host is connected to the universal adapter 1 and is used to apply excitation to the flexible resistive sensing array through the universal adapter 1 and measure its multi-channel resistance response, and convert the multi-channel resistance response into two-dimensional pressure distribution information.

[0027] In the above solution, by setting an interface adapted to the electrodes of the flexible resistive sensing array, the convenience and reliability of the connection can be improved compared to the connection methods using ribbon clips or soldering in the prior art. In addition, by using a dedicated measurement host that integrates excitation application, multi-channel resistance acquisition and data processing functions, the shortcomings of traditional measurement using general-purpose equipment, such as low efficiency and the need for self-developed programs, are overcome, the difficulty of data processing is reduced, and the measurement efficiency is improved.

[0028] The interface 2 of the universal adapter 1 is provided with an anti-misinsertion structure. The anti-misinsertion structure adopts at least one of the following: an asymmetrical mechanical guiding structure, an asymmetrical magnetic component matching structure, and a keyway matching structure. This can avoid damage caused by electrode misalignment of the flexible resistive sensing array and facilitate efficient and accurate alignment connection. Among them, the mechanical guiding structure can use the asymmetry of the cross-sectional shape of the interface shell or plug to generate physical interference to the electrodes, for example, a D-shaped or trapezoidal interface structure can be used; The asymmetrical magnetic component mating structure can use the attraction between different polarities of magnets and the repulsion between the same polarity to prevent misinsertion. For example, several magnetic components with different polarities are set between the interface and the electrode. When inserted in the correct direction, a magnetic attraction effect will be generated, and when inserted in the wrong direction, a repulsive force will be generated, which will prevent the insertion of the electrode. The keyway mating structure utilizes the key / slot on the interface and the slot / key on the electrode for alignment and insertion. Insertion can only be successful when the key and slot are aligned; otherwise, interference will occur, hindering the insertion of the electrode.

[0029] The universal adapter 1 integrates at least one of a signal conditioning circuit and an electromagnetic shielding structure. The signal conditioning circuit includes a preamplifier, which can effectively improve the system's anti-interference capability and measurement accuracy.

[0030] The universal adapter 1 includes an adapter body 11 and an adapter head 12 detachably connected to the adapter body 11. The interface 2 is disposed on the adapter head 12 and is equipped with a gold-plated elastic probe 21 that contacts the electrodes. The size, shape, or pin definition of the interface 2 can be changed by replacing different adapter heads 12. The size, shape, or pin definition of the interface 2 can be changed simply by replacing the corresponding adapter head 12, which can improve the adaptability of the measurement system to flexible resistive sensor arrays of different specifications. The gold-plated elastic probe 21 with low contact resistance can ensure the quality of electrical contact.

[0031] The universal adapter 1 integrates a storage chip 3, which stores the model, calibration parameters, or identification information of the flexible resistive sensor array. This information can be read by the dedicated measurement host. The dedicated measurement host can match the corresponding measurement configuration by reading the model, calibration parameters, or identification information stored in the chip, thereby reducing the inconvenience and errors of manual configuration and improving measurement efficiency.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the internal hardware modules of the dedicated measurement host mainly include a core control unit (such as an MPU / FPGA), and a multi-channel synchronous scanning circuit, a data storage module, a power management module, a display interface module, and an adapter interface module that are connected to it in communication. Core control unit: Used to coordinate the operation of the entire machine and perform control and calculation tasks such as nonlinear calibration; Multi-channel synchronous scanning circuit: used for high-speed acquisition of sensor unit resistance data, to realize synchronous or high-speed switching measurement of the resistance values ​​of multiple sensor units of the flexible resistive sensor array, so as to capture dynamic pressure changes. Data storage module: used to cache the raw data obtained from measurements and subsequent processing results; Power management module: Used to provide stable power to the system and perform low-power control; Display interface module: used to output two-dimensional pressure distribution heat map and other visual information to external display devices or the built-in screen; Adapter interface module: used for bidirectional communication with the universal adapter, sending excitation signals and receiving sensing responses; Based on the aforementioned hardware modules, the dedicated measurement host can achieve synchronous and high-speed acquisition of the resistance values ​​of each sensing unit in the flexible resistive sensor array, enabling the measurement system to capture dynamically changing pressure fields in real time and with high accuracy.

[0033] After completing the aforementioned high-speed acquisition, in order to perform in-depth analysis and transformation of the acquired raw resistance data, the dedicated measurement host includes a data processing module. The data processing module is used to convert the measured resistance value matrix into a pressure value matrix according to a pre-stored resistance and pressure relationship model, perform temperature compensation and spatial filtering on the converted pressure value matrix, and present the processed pressure data in real time on the display interface in the form of a two-dimensional pressure distribution map. The data processing module can realize the conversion of the resistance value matrix into a pressure value matrix and present it in real time on the display interface in the form of a two-dimensional pressure distribution map, which makes it convenient for users to intuitively monitor and analyze the pressure field.

[0034] Combination Figure 4 As shown, the specific processing flow of the data processing module in converting the raw data into a pressure value matrix includes: Preprocessing stage: Obtain the raw data matrix obtained from multi-channel synchronous scanning, and perform noise filtering and outlier removal to eliminate environmental electrical noise and random measurement errors; Baseline calibration: Perform baseline calibration on the preprocessed data; Crosstalk compensation: Determine whether "stream / inter-neighbor interference" needs to be addressed in the current array data. If it exists, introduce a crosstalk compensation algorithm. Pressure value calculation: After the above compensation and calibration, combined with the pre-stored resistance and pressure relationship model, the corrected resistance value is calculated and converted into the final pressure value matrix, generating a pressure distribution cloud map.

[0035] The data processing module is also used to perform advanced analysis operations, including at least one of calculating the pressure center trajectory, identifying the maximum pressure point, statistically analyzing the average pressure of a specific area, or generating a report on pressure changes over time. By performing advanced analysis operations, the data processing module can provide users with intuitive trajectory tracking, peak identification, and regional statistics, simplifying the data processing process and improving the efficiency of pressure change analysis.

[0036] An embodiment of the pressure measurement method of the present invention employs the aforementioned general pressure measurement system and specifically includes the following steps: (1) Connect the flexible resistive sensor array to be measured to the dedicated measurement host through the interface of the universal adapter. After the connection is completed, the measurement system performs system initialization and performs self-test calibration of the flexible resistive sensor array, universal adapter and professional measurement host. (2) Place the flexible resistive sensor array to be measured on the surface of the object to be measured and apply the pressure to be measured; (3) The dedicated measurement host applies excitation to the flexible resistive sensing array through a universal adapter and measures the resistance response of each sensing unit. (4) The dedicated measuring host converts the measured resistance response into two-dimensional pressure distribution information; (5) Output and display the two-dimensional pressure distribution information.

[0037] In step (1), the adapter on the universal adapter is replaced according to the specifications of the flexible resistive sensing array so that the size, shape or pin definition of the interface is adapted to the flexible resistive sensing array. In step (1), alignment connection is achieved by setting an anti-misinsertion structure on the interface. The anti-misinsertion structure adopts an asymmetrical mechanical guide structure, an asymmetrical magnetic component, or a keyway structure. In step (1), after the connection is established, the dedicated measurement host reads the storage chip integrated inside the universal adapter to obtain the model, calibration parameters or identification information of the flexible resistive sensing array. In step (3), the resistance response of each sensing unit of the flexible resistive sensing array is pre-amplified by the signal conditioning circuit integrated inside the universal adapter, and / or environmental interference is suppressed by the electromagnetic shielding structure integrated inside the universal adapter. In step (3), the dynamic pressure changes of the flexible resistive sensing array are captured using a multi-channel synchronous scanning circuit; In step (4), based on the pre-stored resistance and pressure relationship model, the resistance value matrix corresponding to the resistance response is converted into a pressure value matrix, and temperature compensation and spatial filtering are performed on the converted pressure value matrix. After step (5), the dedicated measurement host also performs advanced analysis operations, which include at least one of calculating the pressure center trajectory, identifying the maximum pressure point, calculating the average pressure of a specific area, or generating a report on pressure changes over time.

[0038] The above embodiments are merely one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Ordinary variations and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention are all included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A universal pressure measurement system for flexible resistive array sensors, characterized in that: include: A universal adapter includes an interface adapted to the electrodes of the flexible resistive sensing array to be measured, for establishing a connection with the flexible resistive sensing array. A dedicated measurement host, connected to the universal adapter, is used to apply excitation to the flexible resistive sensing array through the universal adapter and measure its multi-channel resistance response, and convert the multi-channel resistance response into two-dimensional pressure distribution information.

2. The universal pressure measurement system for a flexible resistive array sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The interface of the universal adapter is equipped with an anti-misinsertion structure, which adopts at least one of the following: an asymmetrical mechanical guiding structure, an asymmetrical magnetic component mating structure, and a keyway mating structure.

3. A universal pressure measurement system for a flexible resistive array sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The universal adapter integrates at least one of a signal conditioning circuit and an electromagnetic shielding structure, wherein the signal conditioning circuit includes a preamplifier.

4. A universal pressure measurement system for a flexible resistive array sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The universal adapter includes an adapter body and an adapter head detachably connected to the adapter body. The interface is located on the adapter head and is equipped with gold-plated elastic probes that make contact with electrodes. The size, shape, or pin definition of the interface can be changed by replacing different adapter heads.

5. A universal pressure measurement system for a flexible resistive array sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The universal adapter integrates a storage chip that stores the model, calibration parameters, or identification information of the flexible resistive sensor array, and can be read by the dedicated measurement host.

6. A universal pressure measurement system for a flexible resistive array sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dedicated measurement host includes a multi-channel synchronous scanning circuit for synchronously or at high speed switching to measure the resistance values ​​of multiple sensing units of the flexible resistive sensing array in order to capture dynamic pressure changes.

7. A universal pressure measurement system for a flexible resistive array sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dedicated measurement host includes a data processing module, which is used to convert the measured resistance value matrix into a pressure value matrix according to a pre-stored resistance and pressure relationship model, perform temperature compensation and spatial filtering on the converted pressure value matrix, and present the processed pressure data in real time on the display interface in the form of a two-dimensional pressure distribution map.

8. A universal pressure measurement system for a flexible resistive array sensor according to claim 7, characterized in that: The data processing module is also used to perform advanced analysis operations, including at least one of calculating the pressure center trajectory, identifying the maximum pressure point, calculating the average pressure of a specific area, or generating a report on pressure changes over time.

9. A pressure measurement method, characterized in that, The universal pressure measurement system as described in claim 1 includes the following steps: (1) Connect the flexible resistive sensor array to be measured to the dedicated measurement host through the interface of the universal adapter; (2) Place the flexible resistive sensor array to be measured on the surface of the object to be measured and apply the pressure to be measured; (3) The dedicated measurement host applies excitation to the flexible resistive sensing array through a universal adapter and measures the resistance response of each sensing unit. (4) The dedicated measuring host converts the measured resistance response into two-dimensional pressure distribution information; (5) Output and display the two-dimensional pressure distribution information.

10. The pressure measurement method according to claim 9, characterized in that: In step (1), the adapter on the universal adapter is replaced according to the specifications of the flexible resistive sensing array so that the size, shape or pin definition of the interface is adapted to the flexible resistive sensing array. In step (1), alignment connection is achieved by setting an anti-misinsertion structure on the interface. The anti-misinsertion structure adopts an asymmetrical mechanical guide structure, an asymmetrical magnetic component, or a keyway structure. In step (1), after the connection is established, the dedicated measurement host reads the storage chip integrated inside the universal adapter to obtain the model, calibration parameters or identification information of the flexible resistive sensing array. In step (3), the resistance response of each sensing unit of the flexible resistive sensing array is pre-amplified by the signal conditioning circuit integrated inside the universal adapter, and / or environmental interference is suppressed by the electromagnetic shielding structure integrated inside the universal adapter. In step (3), the dynamic pressure changes of the flexible resistive sensing array are captured using a multi-channel synchronous scanning circuit; In step (4), based on the pre-stored resistance and pressure relationship model, the resistance value matrix corresponding to the resistance response is converted into a pressure value matrix, and temperature compensation and spatial filtering are performed on the converted pressure value matrix. After step (5), the dedicated measurement host also performs advanced analysis operations, which include at least one of calculating the pressure center trajectory, identifying the maximum pressure point, calculating the average pressure of a specific area, or generating a report on pressure changes over time.

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