Crosstalk Effects in a Dual ToF-Based Tactile–Proximity Sensing Platform Integrated in a Flat PMMA Light Guide

Ogurcovs, Andrejs ; Aulika, Ilze ; Cartiel, Sergio (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Garcia-Pueyo, Jorge (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Muñoz, Adolfo (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: We investigate crosstalk effects in a dual-modality tactile–proximity sensing system based on Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology integrated within a flat poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) light guide. Building on the OptoSkin framework, we employ two commercially available TMF8828 multi-zone ToF sensors, one configured for tactile detection via frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) and the other for external proximity measurements through the same transparent substrate. Controlled experiments were conducted using a 2 cm2 silicone pad for tactile interaction and an A4-sized diffuse white target for proximity detection. Additional measurements with a movable PMMA sheet were performed to quantify signal attenuation, peak broadening, and confidence degradation under transparent-substrate conditions. The results demonstrate that the TMF8828 can simultaneously resolve both contact-induced scattering and distant reflections, but that localized interference zones occur when sensor fields of view overlap within the substrate. Histogram analysis reveals the underlying multi-path contributions, providing diagnostic insight not available from black-box ToF devices. These findings highlight both the opportunities and limitations of integrating multiple ToF sensors into transparent waveguides and inform design strategies for scalable robotic skins, wearable interfaces, and multi-modal human–machine interaction systems.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.3390/s25237319

Año: 2025

Publicado en: Sensors 25, 23 (2025), 7319 [13 pp.]
ISSN: 1424-8220

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EC/HORIZON EUROPE/101070310/EU/Physical Cognition for Intelligent Control and Safe Human-Robot Interaction/Sestosenso
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MCIU/FPU23-03132

Tipo y forma: Artículo (Versión definitiva)

Área (Departamento): Área Lenguajes y Sistemas Inf. (Dpto. Informát.Ingenie.Sistms.)