OPT-IN is a unique and innovative technology that aims to improve the current state of the art in the field of measurement of human-machine interaction, with its applications ranging from aeronautics up to the world of muscle training and rehabilitation. This is possible by integrating an innovative and patented optical sensor in devices in order to monitor user interactions.
The OPT-IN sensor has been developed in the aerospace field as a tool to measure and monitor the hands' activities of the pilot on helicopters' grips. It was tested on full-scale flight simulators and showed great results both in terms of reliability, low latency, and linearity.
Its main utility in this area is to use a single set of tools that are reliable, non-invasive, and easy to apply for the detection and quantification of the adverse interactions between pilot and rotorcraft, measuring the workload of the pilot and his stress state during any specific maneuvers, based of the interaction between hand and input command.
The innovative optical working principle allows the sensor to be seamlessly integrated into various types of devices, so as not to alter the user experience. The number of sensors is easily variable and can be conveniently placed in devices in order to generate a real-time 3D map of the exerted force, with variable resolution according to necessity.
OPT-IN does not require any wearable device: the entire process of acquisition is integrated into the used tool in such a way as to allow all users to begin the activity without preliminary procedure.
The typical issues of load cells are solved as well: in particular, there are no problems in synchronizing the signals and no conditioning is needed. This makes the sensor smaller and very efficient energetically.
The OPT-IN data can be saved locally or sent over USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
The dedicated software has a variable and modular UI to be suitable for every case study.
The information provided by the sensor can be related to details on the fluidity of movements, coordination of the fingers, and muscle fatigue.