Development of an Integrated Standstill Detection of a Sensor-Enhanced Writing Instrument (DigiPen)

Background

Since Doug Engelbarts presentation in 1963, the general functionality of the  computer mouse has hardly changed even though it shows several shortcomings, such as limited ergonomy, causing carpal tunnel syndrome. A pen, on the other hand, is much better suited as a pointing device and allows additional channels of control, e.g. by detecting rotation and inclination. With this thesis we will explore the possibilities of using a sensor-enhanced pen (DigiPen) as a computer pointing device, and key to its functionality is the elimination of drift by means of a reliable and robust standstill detection. Within this work there will be a strong cooperation with STABILO International GmbH and the development will also take place at the local level with STABILO (Heroldsberg). A prototype of the DigiPen, data sets, and developed software will be provided by STABILO.

Tasks

The primary goal of this thesis is the development of a standstill detection of the DigiPen. The DigiPen is equipped with inertial sensors which allow the detection of movement. The sensors currently include a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a magnetometer and a force sensor, but an expansion by further sensors or actors is feasible. Several standstill detection approaches, like neural networks or sensor fusion should be implemented and evaluated.

Requirements

• Basics of signal and data processing techniques
• Basics of Artificial Intelligence, in particular machine-learning methods
• Basic knowledge of MEMS-sensors
• Motivation and interest in solving technical problems independently