Input interface using fingertip pressure

This paper proposes a new operation method for portable devices and controllers using fingertip pressure. The proposed system provides multivalued, biaxial outputs according to the fingertip pressure from two directions. Strain sensors are used to detect microscopic strains caused by the fingertip pressure on the body of the portable device. For verification experiments, a prototype consisting of a detection circuit with two strain gauges and a 32 bit MPU with an aluminum body was manufactured, and various applications were implemented. The experimental results indicate that the prototype system can output accurate linear data proportional to fingertip pressure from two directions. With the proposed interface, the portable devices do not require a specific area, thickness, or position for input buttons on their bodies.