Tekscan I-Scan pressure-mapping systems now have hi-speed USB sensor connectivity

Citation

(2008), "Tekscan I-Scan pressure-mapping systems now have hi-speed USB sensor connectivity", Sensor Review, Vol. 28 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2008.08728aaf.006

Tekscan I-Scan pressure-mapping systems now have hi-speed USB sensor connectivity

Tekscan I-Scan pressure-mapping systems now have hi-speed USB sensor connectivity

The well established top of the range I-Scan system from Tekscan just became more portable and easier to use, with the introduction of the “Evolution USB handle” (Figure 6). This device allows instant USB connection of Tekscan's 0.1mm thick Mylar pressure sensors to any notebook PC running Windows XP.

The innovative Tekscan technology uses a laminated plastic film with up to 2,288 pressure sensing areas built in. The sensor is extremely thin (0.1mm) and is produced in a number of different shapes and sizes depending on the chosen application. In addition to a realtime 2D or 3D pressure map, the evolution handle allows data to be recorded as a movie, at speeds up to 100 frames per second (100Hz).

Figure 6 The I-Scan system from Tekscan now has a PDA version for improved use and portability

The sensors are non-intrusive and will produce contact pressure data across a defined area, information not normally available, thus allowing the immediate visual display of any critical pressure differences from one location to the next. The sensors are generally re-usable and have many designs and potential applications.

A new hand-held PDA based I-Scan system (datalogger)

In order to make the I-Scan system even more portable, Tekscan have introduced a software version that runs on a PDA and which will communicate with the evolution handle, thus enabling pressure mapping measurements to be carried out almost anywhere. This package is ideal for field work, machinery set-up and control or for use where weight or available space is at a premium.

Real time 2D displays of pressure distribution can be viewed instantly on the PDA or recorded in the form of a movie, in which case the PDA becomes a small format datalogger. The output from the whole measurement area can be recorded at up to 75 frames per second (75Hz) and then transmitted to a central PC for further analysis.