Multi-model and naked-hand wearable sensing system based on direct writing Ag-TPU composite with porous microstructure for human–computer interactions

The widespread use of human–computer interaction has generated enormous interest in stretchable and wearable electronic devices, such as smart gloves, wearable mice, electronic skins, and other sensors capturing deformation signals on human skins. The main challenge of such devices lies in monitoring multi-level human motions such as bending, stretching, and pressing. Developing new materials and fabrication methods is indispensable to tackle this challenge. In this paper, we propose a multi-model and naked-hand wearable sensing system based on Ag and thermoplastic polyurethane (Ag-TPU) composite with porous microstructure and direct writing technology which implements pressure sensing and strain sensing simultaneously. Dynamic response test illustrates that motion frequencies from 0.24 s −1 to 0.88 s −1 can be detected, covering the typical frequency of clicking operation on a mouse, with the response time between 156 ms and 609 ms at the frequency of 0.88 s −1 . Due to the protection of TPU polymer, this material remains stable and effective in1400 bends at a bending curvature from 0.17 to 0.2. These characteristics, along with the low cost, high sensing sensitivity, simple production procedure, biocompatibility, and wearability on the naked hand, make our material match the actual requirements of human–computer interaction mice. With an extra inertial measurement unit, the mouse can distinguish different gestures and finger movements in various frequencies. Through our test, it can control the cursor and paint on computers with the multi-model characteristic. Therefore, our wearable virtual mouse demonstrates a new way to match flexible materials with human–computer interaction interfaces, extending the application of Ag-TPU composite with multi-model sensing while ensuring the timeliness and accuracy of information transfer in the process of human–computer interaction.