A portable, waterproof and wireless human-machine interface

"Human Machine Interface" (HMI) is a general term that describes any physical input or output hardware that people can use to interface with systems (like computers) and vice poured. This very broad definition generally applies to computer input devices such as keyboards or output devices such as monitors. The shift to touch screens has represented a fundamental shift in HMI preferences and we may soon see another shift towards wearable HMIs. To provide the building blocks for this potential future, a team of UCLA engineers developed this portable, waterproof, and wireless HMI.

This prototype HMI is a patch that users can wear on their skin that looks like a thick bandage. It flexes and stretches with the user's skin making it comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The prototype has four buttons that can wirelessly control remote devices. In the team's demonstration, for example, the buttons control the functions of a music player. It's also waterproof, so users don't have to worry about damage from sweat or other moisture.

The underlying technology of this HMI is based on electromagnetic induction. Each button is a small coil and the silicone patch material has built-in micro magnets. When a user presses a button, the coil moves through the magnetic field and induces a small electrical signal. Likewise, the natural bending and stretching of the path caused by the user's movement generates a small amount of power. With further development, this might even be enough to make batteries or an external power source unnecessary.

For now, the team has turned to Arduino to demonstrate the concept. The wires from the button coils connect to the ADC (analog-to-digital converter) of an Arduino Uno board through an amplification and filter circuit. The Arduino converts these signals into digital signals and then transmits them through an HC-05 Bluetooth module. A receiver consisting of another Uno and an HC-05 then controls the connected device, such as a music player or a lamp.

Technology Aug 16, 2022 0 72 Add to Reading List

A portable, waterproof and wireless human-machine interface

"Human Machine Interface" (HMI) is a general term that describes any physical input or output hardware that people can use to interface with systems (like computers) and vice poured. This very broad definition generally applies to computer input devices such as keyboards or output devices such as monitors. The shift to touch screens has represented a fundamental shift in HMI preferences and we may soon see another shift towards wearable HMIs. To provide the building blocks for this potential future, a team of UCLA engineers developed this portable, waterproof, and wireless HMI.

This prototype HMI is a patch that users can wear on their skin that looks like a thick bandage. It flexes and stretches with the user's skin making it comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The prototype has four buttons that can wirelessly control remote devices. In the team's demonstration, for example, the buttons control the functions of a music player. It's also waterproof, so users don't have to worry about damage from sweat or other moisture.

The underlying technology of this HMI is based on electromagnetic induction. Each button is a small coil and the silicone patch material has built-in micro magnets. When a user presses a button, the coil moves through the magnetic field and induces a small electrical signal. Likewise, the natural bending and stretching of the path caused by the user's movement generates a small amount of power. With further development, this might even be enough to make batteries or an external power source unnecessary.

For now, the team has turned to Arduino to demonstrate the concept. The wires from the button coils connect to the ADC (analog-to-digital converter) of an Arduino Uno board through an amplification and filter circuit. The Arduino converts these signals into digital signals and then transmits them through an HC-05 Bluetooth module. A receiver consisting of another Uno and an HC-05 then controls the connected device, such as a music player or a lamp.