Patent Publication Number: US-2021190624-A1

Title: Pressure Distribution And Localization Detection Methods And Apparatuses Incorporating The Same

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present specification generally relates to sensor systems and processes for detecting and measuring a pressure applied to a sensor, and more specifically, to methods for detecting a pressure distribution and localization of inclusive forces applied to a sensor system to determine a resultant force. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Sensors may be utilized to collect pressure measurements applied thereto. For instance, gloves incorporating sensor technology may be utilized to collect representative pressure measurements experienced along an operator&#39;s hand when a force is received thereon. To improve an accuracy of the pressure measurements detected by a sensor, relative parameters that are directly proportionate to a force received along the sensor may be determined and incorporated when computing a resultant force. In instances where a physical force is received along only a portion of a sensor rather than across an entire surface area, including parameters such as the complete area of the sensor to compute a resultant force may provide inaccurate pressure measurements than that actually experienced. Accordingly, a determination of a resultant pressure measurement may include inaccuracies due to the relative parameters of the sensor incorporated into computing a pressure measurement applied to the sensor. The potential inaccuracy in measuring the detected pressure at the sensor may be detrimental to the objective of identifying a magnitude of force received thereon. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for systems and methods that more accurately measure forces and pressures applied to sensors incorporated into gloves. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a method includes detecting a force applied to a sensing area of a sensor system, the sensing area including a first sensing region and a second sensing region. The first sensing region is determined to be a correct sensing region. The second sensing region is determined to be an incorrect sensing region. An activation area of the incorrect sensing region is determined. A force distribution of the incorrect sensing region is determined. A corrected corresponding force measurement of the incorrect sensing region is calculated based on the activation area and force distribution of the incorrect sensing region. 
     In another embodiment, a method includes detecting a force applied to a sensing area of a sensor system, the sensing area including a first sensing region and a second sensing region, the first sensing region including a first sensor, and the second sensing region including a second sensor. The method further includes determining a first force measurement of the first sensor based on a generated electrical signal of the first sensor, determining a second force measurement of the second sensor based on a generated electrical signal of the second sensor, and determining a total applied force based on the first force measurement and the second force measurement. The method further includes determining a first relative magnitude of the first sensing region based on the first force measurement, a first area of the first sensing region, and at least a portion of the total area of the sensing area. The method further includes determining a second relative magnitude of the second sensing region based on the second force measurement, the first area of the first sensing region, and at least the portion of the total area of the sensing area. The method further includes determining a first regional confidence factor for the first sensing region based on the first relative magnitude, and the total applied force, determining a second regional confidence factor for the second sensing region based on the second relative magnitude, and the total applied force, determining a raw confidence factor based on the first regional confidence factor and the second regional confidence factor, and initiating a correction algorithm to calculate a corrected confidence factor based on a comparison of the raw confidence factor and a threshold confidence factor. 
     In another embodiment, a sensor system includes a sensing area disposed along a surface of the sensor system. A first sensing region is disposed within the sensing area comprising a first sensor configured to detect a force applied to the surface of the sensing area. A second sensing region is disposed within the sensing area comprising a second sensor configured to detect a force applied to the surface of the sensing area. A processor that, when executing computer readable and executable instructions of the sensor system, causes the sensor system to: detect a force applied to the sensing area of a sensor system, the sensing area including a first sensing region and a second sensing region; determine that the first sensing region is a correct sensing region; determine that the second sensing region is an incorrect sensing region; determine an activation area of the incorrect sensing region; determine a force distribution of the incorrect sensing region; and calculate a corrected corresponding force measurement of the incorrect sensing region based on the activation area and force distribution of the incorrect sensing region. 
     These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which: 
         FIG. 1A  schematically depicts an illustrative sensing sensor system including a plurality of sensor regions along surfaces of a glove according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 1B  schematically depicts a sensing area of the illustrative sensing sensor system of  FIG. 1A  according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 1C  schematically depicts a sensing area of the illustrative sensing sensor system of  FIG. 1A  according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 2A  schematically depicts another illustrative sensing sensor system including a plurality of sensors along surfaces of a glove according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 2B  schematically depicts a sensing area of the illustrative sensing sensor system of  FIG. 2A  according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 2C  schematically depicts a sensing area of the illustrative sensing sensor system of  FIG. 2A  according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a flow diagram of an illustrative method of distributing a force across the sensing area of the sensing sensor system of  FIG. 1B  according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and 
         FIG. 4  depicts a flow diagram of an illustrative method of distributing a force across the sensing area of the sensing sensor system of  FIG. 2B  according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Systems may include one or more arrays (e.g., regions) of sensor assemblies positioned thereon designed to collectively detect a force received along the glove. By detecting a physical force applied to the sensor arrays of the glove, an operator of the glove may identify a resultant pressure endured at various locations along the operator&#39;s hand. With the pressure data detected by the sensor assemblies of the glove, an operator of the sensor system may adjust a manner in performing a task (e.g., adjusting a physical position, geometry, and/or orientation of an operator&#39;s hand) as a result of analyzing said data to minimize the force endured along an operator&#39;s hand and thereby reduce instances of possible injury, discomfort, and/or unnecessary-expended labor when performing the task. To determine an appropriate method to perform a task, based on the forces applied to an operator&#39;s hand when performing the task, accurately measuring a resultant pressure is desirable. However, in some instances a resultant pressure measurement may vary relative to an actual force received along an operator&#39;s hand due to the relative parameters considered when computing a force received along a surface of the hand and/or sensor assembly. Inaccuracies of measuring a force may provide challenges in accurately measuring a resultant pressure applied to an operator&#39;s hand and in determining an appropriate method in performing a task with the operator&#39;s hand. 
     The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods that include sensor technology for detecting and measuring forces received along a glove. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to sensor systems and methods that improve an accuracy of measuring a pressure received along a sensor assembly of the glove by determining an actual active area of a sensor that receives a force thereon for incorporation into actual force computations. Providing a sensor system that localizes an inclusive force received along a sensor may assist in accurately measuring a resultant pressure calculated from a force applied thereto. The sensor system may aid in determining an appropriate method, such as a physical position or orientation, in performing a task by detecting and measuring various forces received at an operator&#39;s hand at an actual active area along a surface of the operator&#39;s hand with accuracy by localizing the area that the force was received on the sensor system for accurate measurement. 
     It should be appreciated that the sensor systems and methods disclosed herein may have additional uses. For example, the sensor systems and methods may be used with artificial skin, artificial prosthetic skin, artificial robotic skin, flexible tactile force feedback sensing for robots, smart prosthetics synthetic skin for limbs, anatomical prosthetic tactile force feedback, and artificial intelligence tactile synthetic skin. Specifically, the sensor system may be placed on or within an artificial skin which is used to detect force applied to an area which includes the artificial skin. Additionally, the sensor systems may be arranged on robotic device so that the robotic devices may detect a force applied to the robotic device during an assembly or measuring process. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1A  depicts an illustrative network having components for a sensor system  10  according to embodiments shown and described herein. As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the sensor system  10  utilizes a computer network  16  that may include a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a mobile communications network, a public service telephone network (PSTN), a personal area network (PAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a virtual private network (VPN), and/or another network. The computer network  16  may generally electronically connect one or more components, systems, and/or devices of the sensor system  10 , such as computing devices and/or components thereof. Illustrative systems, components, and/or devices of the sensor system  10  may include, but are not limited to, a computing device  12 , a server computing device  14 , and a glove apparatus  100 . 
     The computing device  12  is a computing device that provides an interface between an operator of the sensor system  10  and the other components of the sensor system  10  via the computer network  16 . The computing device  12  may be used to perform one or more user-facing functions of the sensor system  10 , such as allowing a user to analyze data received from another component of the sensor system  10  (e.g., the glove apparatus  100 ) or inputting information to be transmitted to other components of the sensor system  10  (e.g., the server computing device  14 ), as described in greater detail herein. Accordingly, the computing device  12  may include at least a display and/or input hardware for facilitating the one or more user-interfacing functions. The computing device  12  may also be used to input additional data into the sensor system  10  that supplements the data stored and received from the glove apparatus  100 . For example, the computing device  12  may contain software programming or the like that allows a user to view force data detected by a plurality of sensing regions  122  positioned on the glove apparatus  100 , review a load distribution determined by the server computing device  14 , and provide supplemental information accordingly, such as calibration values for the plurality of sensing regions  122 , as described in greater detail herein. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1A , the server computing device  14  is a remote server that may receive data from one or more sensing regions  122  of the glove apparatus  100 , analyze the received data, generate data (e.g., an estimated localized subarea, load distribution, pressure magnitudes, confidences factors of computed pressure magnitudes, etc.), store data, index data, search data, and/or provide data to the computing device  12  (or components thereof) via the computer network  16 . More specifically, the server computing device  14  may employ one or more load distribution and pressure gradient estimation algorithms for the purposes of analyzing data that is received from the glove apparatus  100 , as described in greater detail herein. In some embodiments, the server computing device  14  includes one or more hardware components integrated therein and used with the sensor system  10 , such as, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium for completing the various processes described herein, embodied as hardware, software, and/or firmware, according to embodiments shown and described herein. 
     The server computing device  14  may further include a processing device, such as a computer processing unit (CPU) that is a central processing unit of the sensor system  10 , performing calculations and logic operations to execute a program. The processing device of the server computing device  14 , alone or in conjunction with the other components, may include any processing component configured to receive and execute instructions, such as from the glove apparatus  100  and/or the computing device  12 . The non-transitory memory medium of the server computing device  14  may include one or more programming instructions thereon that, when executed by a processing device of the server computing device  14 , cause the processing device to complete various processes, such as certain processes described herein with respect to analyzing and determining pressure magnitude data upon detecting a force applied to the glove apparatus  100 . The programming instructions stored on the non-transitory memory medium of the server computing device  14  may be embodied as a plurality of software logic modules, where each logic module provides programming instructions for completing one or more tasks. As described in greater detail herein, the server computing device  14  is configured to compute a raw confidence and an interpolated confidence factor based on an estimated error probability of a pressure magnitude determined for each of the sensing regions  122  that receive a force thereon. The confidence factor is an evaluation of error in computing the pressure magnitude based on a load distribution and a localized subarea. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1A , it should be understood that while the computing device  12  is depicted as a personal computer and the server computing device  14  is depicted as a server, these are nonlimiting examples. In some embodiments, any type of computing device (e.g., mobile computing device, computer, server, cloud-based network of devices, etc.) may be used for any of these components. Additionally, while each of these computing devices is illustrated in  FIG. 1A  as a single and separate piece of hardware, this is also merely an example. Each of the computing device  12  and the server computing device  14  may represent a plurality of computers, servers, databases, components, and/or the like. In other embodiments, the computing device  12  and the server computing device  14  may be integrated into a single apparatus such that the sensor system  10  includes fewer components communicatively coupled to one another through the computer network  16 . In embodiments where the server computing device  14  is a separate apparatus from that of the computing device  12 , the methods described herein provide a mechanism for improving the functionality of the server computing device  14  by moving certain processor-intensive tasks away from the computing device  12  to be completed by an external device that is more adapted for such tasks (e.g., the server computing device  14 ). 
     The glove apparatus  100  may generally including at least one finger surface region  102  and a palmar surface region  104 . The palmar surface region  104  of the glove apparatus  100  includes a palmar metacarpal region  106 , a median palmar region  108 , a hypothenar region  110 , and a thenar region  112 . The palmar surface region  104  of the glove apparatus  100  includes one or more sensing areas  120  positioned thereon, and in particular along one or more of the palmar metacarpal region  106 , the median palmar region  108 , the hypothenar region  110 , and the thenar region  112 . In the present example, the palmar surface region  104  includes three sensing areas  120  positioned along the palmar metacarpal region  106 , one sensing area  120  positioned along the hypothenar region  110  and one sensing area  120  positioned along the thenar region  112 . The one or more sensing areas  120  may be secured to and attached to the glove apparatus  100  by various methods, including, but not limited to, printing the one or more sensing areas  120  onto a fabric of the glove apparatus  100 , weaving the one or more sensing areas  120  into a fabric of the glove apparatus  100 , adhesively securing the one or more sensing areas  120  to the glove, and/or the like. It should be understood that additional and/or fewer sensing areas  120  may be positioned along various anatomical regions of the palmar surface region  104  than those shown and depicted herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1A , the one or more sensing areas  120  of the glove apparatus  100  include a plurality of sensing regions  122  positioned therein. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensing regions  122  of each of the one or more sensing areas  120  are sized, shaped and positioned along the palmar surface region  104  relative to an intended-task to be performed with the glove apparatus  100 . In other words, a location and profile of the one or more sensing areas  120 , and the plurality of sensing regions  122  included therein, along the palmar surface region  104  of the glove apparatus  100  may be determined based on a predetermined use of the glove apparatus  100 . Accordingly, the one or more sensing areas  120  are sized and positioned along the corresponding regions  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  of the palmar surface region  104  that generally receive a force load thereon when performing the predetermined task with an operator&#39;s hand. As will be described in greater detail herein, the one or more sensing areas  120  may be positioned along the finger surface region  102  of the glove apparatus  100  for instances where an operator&#39;s hand generally receives a force load thereon when performing a predetermined task. In addition to the one or more sensing areas  120  being positioned along the glove apparatus  100  at locations where a static, push load may be received during performance of a predetermined task, the one or more sensing areas  120  may be further positioned along portions of the glove apparatus  100 , and in particular the palmar surface region  104 , where transverse, slidable loads may be received that generate indirect forces along an operator&#39;s hand. 
     The plurality of sensing regions  122  of each of the one or more sensing areas  120  are further sized, shaped and positioned along the palmar surface region  104  relative to a surface curvature of an operator&#39;s hand. In other words, a profile of the one or more sensing areas  120 , and the plurality of sensing regions  122  included therein, along the palmar surface region  104  of the glove apparatus  100  may be determined based on a surface curvature of an operator&#39;s hand along the particular region  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  of the palmar surface region  104  where the sensing area  120  is located. In the present example, the plurality of sensing regions  122  of the sensing areas  120  located along the palmar metacarpal region  106  are sized and shaped relative to the curvature and size of the palmar metacarpal region  106 . Accordingly, the plurality of sensing regions  122  of the sensing areas  120  located along the palmar metacarpal region  106  are relatively small and circular due to a corresponding contour of the palmar metacarpal region  106 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1A , the plurality of sensing regions  122  of the sensing areas  120  located along the hypothenar region  110  and the thenar region  112  are sized and shaped relative to the curvature and size of the hypothenar region  110  and the thenar region  112 , respectively. Accordingly, the plurality of sensing regions  122  of the sensing areas  120  located along the hypothenar region  110  and the thenar region  112  are relatively large and elongated due to a corresponding contour of the hypothenar region  110  and the thenar region  112 . It should be understood that the plurality of sensing regions  122  within an individual sensing area  120  may vary in size and geometry relative one another. It should further be understood that various other sizes, geometries and positions of the one or more sensing areas  120 , and in particular the sensing regions  122  positioned therein, along the palmar surface region  104  may be included on the glove apparatus  100  than those shown and depicted herein. As will be described in greater detail herein, with the glove apparatus  100  including a plurality of sensing regions  122  within the one or more sensing areas  120 , the glove apparatus  100  is configured to sense force loads applied thereto along general, non-discrete anatomical portions of an operator&#39;s hand (i.e., along the sensing regions  122 ). It should be understood that with the inclusion of the plurality of sensing regions  122  within the one or more sensing areas  120 , the glove apparatus  100  may provide a general indication of a location along the glove apparatus  100  where a pressure is received. As will be described in greater detail herein, inclusion of individual, discrete sensors may provide a specific indication of the location in which the sensor system receives a pressure. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C , the glove apparatus  100  may further include one or more sensing areas  120  positioned along one or more finger surface regions  102 . The one or more sensing areas  120  include a plurality of sensing regions  122  positioned therein that are relatively sized and shaped in correspondence to a predetermined use of the glove apparatus  100  and/or a surface curvature of the finger surface region  102 . For example, the plurality of sensing regions  122  of the sensing area  120  may extend up to and wrap around a distal end  101  of the finger surface region  102  when the distal end  101  generally receives force loads thereon when performing a predetermined task with an operator&#39;s hand. Additionally or alternatively, by way of further example, the plurality of sensing regions  122  of the sensing area  120  may be curved along the finger surface region  102  in correspondence to a surface contour of an operator&#39;s hand at the finger surface region  102 , as depicted in  FIG. 1C . Although a single sensing area  120  is shown and described on the finger surface region  102  of the present example, it should be understood that additional and/or fewer sensing areas  120  may be positioned along various other anatomical portions of the finger surface region  102  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, it should be understood that the plurality of sensing regions  122  within an individual sensing area  120  may vary in size and shape relative one another and various other sizes, shapes and positions of the one or more sensing areas  120  and sensing regions  122  along the finger surface region  102  may be included on the glove apparatus  100  than those shown and depicted herein. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1A , in the present example the plurality of sensing regions  122  extend along curved anatomical portions of the finger surface region  102 , in addition to planar anatomical portions, to thereby position at least one sensing region  122  of the sensing area  120  along each anatomical portion of the finger surface region  102  that generally receives a force load. The plurality of sensing regions  122  of the sensing area  120  positioned along the curved portions of the finger surface region  102  are form-fitted to the curvature of the anatomical shape of an operator&#39;s finger. Although a single sensing area  120  is shown and described on the finger surface region  102  of the present example, it should be understood that additional and/or fewer sensing areas  120  may be positioned along various other anatomical portions of the finger surface region  102  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, it should be understood that the plurality of sensing regions  122  within an individual sensing area  120  and/or plurality of sensors  124  within an individual sensing region  122  may vary in size and shape relative one another and various other sizes, shapes and positions of the one or more sensing areas  120  and sensing regions  122  along the finger surface region  102  may be included on the glove apparatus  100  than those shown and depicted herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1B , an example sensing area  120  for  FIG. 1A  is depicted. Each sensing area  120  may include a plurality of various and different sensing regions  122 , such as a first sensing region  122 A including a first sensor  124 A, a second sensing region  122 B including a second sensor  124 B, a third sensing region  122 C including a third sensor  124 C, a fourth sensing region  122 D including a fourth sensor  124 D, and a fifth sensing region  122 E including a fifth sensor  124 E. The sensors  124 A- 124 E may be arranged underneath each sensing region so that a force applied to any portion of the sensing regions  122 A- 122 E will apply a force to the sensor. The sensing regions  122 A- 122 E may be adjacent to one another, or have a gap provided between each sensing region. Additionally, the sensing regions  122 A- 122 E may be arranged in any configuration in order to accurately detect an applied force, including adding additional sensing regions to the sensing area  120 . In embodiments, the sensor  124 C may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the sensing region  122 C to ensure any force applied to the sensing region  122 C is detected by the sensor  124 C. It should be appreciated that any of the sensors  124 A- 124 E may be shaped to correspond to their respective sensing regions  122 A- 122 E. 
     A material composition of the one or more sensing areas  120  along the finger surface region  102  may vary relative to the one or more sensing areas  120  positioned along the palmar surface region  104  to retain adequate finger tactility for the glove apparatus  100  along the finger surface regions  102 . In particular, materials providing a reduced rigidity for the sensing areas  120  along the finger surface regions  102  to thereby preserve ease of movement of the finger surface regions  102  by an operator of the glove apparatus  100 . Additionally, a material thickness of the one or more sensing areas  120  along the finger surface region  102  may vary relative to the one or more sensing areas  120  positioned along the palmar surface region  104  to provide sufficient maneuverability for the glove apparatus  100  along the finger surface regions  102 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2A , a sensor system  20  is depicted including another illustrative glove apparatus  200 . Except as otherwise described below, it should be understood that the glove apparatus  200  is substantially similar to the glove apparatus  100  described above such that like reference numerals are used to identify like components. However, the glove apparatus  200  is different than the glove apparatus  100  in that the glove apparatus  200  includes one or more sensing areas  220  having at least one sensing region  222  disposed therein, with each sensing region  222  including a one or more sensors  224 . In the present example, the palmar surface region  104  includes three sensing areas  220  positioned along the palmar metacarpal region  106 , one sensing area  220  positioned along the hypothenar region  110  and one sensing area  220  positioned along the thenar region  112 . Each of the sensing areas  220  of the glove apparatus  200  include at least one sensing region  222 , and in some instances two or more sensing regions  222 , with each of the sensing regions  222  including at least one individual, discrete sensor  224  positioned therein. In some embodiments, the sensing areas  220  include a plurality of sensing regions  222  and the each of the plurality of sensing regions  222  include a plurality of sensors  224 . The one or more sensing areas  220  may be secured to and attached to the glove apparatus  200  by various methods, including, but not limited to, printing the one or more sensing areas  220  onto a fabric of the glove apparatus  200 , weaving the one or more sensing areas  220  into a fabric of the glove apparatus  200 , adhesively securing the one or more sensing areas  220  to the glove, and/or the like. It should be understood that additional and/or fewer sensing areas  220  and/or sensors  224  may be positioned along various anatomical regions of the palmar surface region  104  than those shown and depicted herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors  224  of each of the one or more sensing areas  220  are sized, shaped and positioned along the palmar surface region  104  relative to an intended-task to be performed with the glove apparatus  200 . In other words, a location and profile of the one or more sensing areas  220 , and the plurality of sensors  224  included therein, along the palmar surface region  104  of the glove apparatus  200  may be determined based on a predetermined use of the glove apparatus  200 . Accordingly, the one or more sensing areas  220  are sized and positioned along the corresponding regions  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  of the palmar surface region  104  that generally receive a force load thereon when performing the predetermined task with an operator&#39;s hand. As will be described in greater detail herein, the one or more sensing areas  220 , and in particular the plurality of sensors  224 , may be positioned along the finger surface region  102  of the glove apparatus  200  for instances where an operator&#39;s hand generally receives a force load thereon when performing a predetermined task. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2A , the plurality of sensors  224  of each of the one or more sensing areas  220  are further sized, shaped and positioned along the palmar surface region  104  relative to a surface curvature of an operator&#39;s hand. In other words, a profile of the one or more sensing areas  220 , and the plurality of sensors  224  included therein, along the palmar surface region  104  of the glove apparatus  200  may be determined based on a surface curvature of an operator&#39;s hand along the particular region  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  of the palmar surface region  104  where the sensing area  220  is located. In the present example, the plurality of sensors  224  of the sensing areas  220  located along the palmar metacarpal region  106  are sized and shaped relative to the curvature and size of the palmar metacarpal region  106 . Accordingly, the plurality of sensors  224  of the sensing areas  220  located along the palmar metacarpal region  106  are relatively small due to a corresponding contour of the palmar metacarpal region  106 . 
     The plurality of sensors  224  of the sensing areas  220  located along the hypothenar region  110  and the thenar region  112  are sized and shaped relative to the curvature and size of the hypothenar region  110  and the thenar region  112 , respectively. Accordingly, the plurality of sensors  224  of the sensing areas  220  located along the hypothenar region  110  and the thenar region  112  are relatively larger due to a corresponding contour of the hypothenar region  110  and the thenar region  112 . It should be understood that the plurality of sensors  224  within an individual sensing area  220  may vary in size and shape relative one another. It should be further understood that various other sizes, shapes and positions of the one or more sensing areas  220 , and in particular the sensors  224  positioned therein, along the palmar surface region  104  may be included on the glove apparatus  200  than those shown and depicted herein. As will be described in greater detail herein, with the glove apparatus  200  including a plurality of sensors  224  within the one or more sensing areas  220 , the glove apparatus  200  is configured to sense force loads applied thereto along particular, discrete anatomical portions of an operator&#39;s hand (i.e., on the sensors  224 ). It should be understood that with the inclusion of the plurality of individual, discrete sensors  224  within the one or more sensing areas  220 , the glove apparatus  200  may provide a specific indication of a location along the glove apparatus  200  where a pressure is received. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C , the glove apparatus  200  may further include one or more sensing areas  220  positioned along one or more finger surface regions  102 . The one or more sensing areas  220  include a plurality of sensors  224  positioned therein that are relatively sized and shaped in correspondence to a predetermined use of the glove apparatus  200  and/or a surface curvature of the finger surface region  102 . For example, the plurality of sensors  224  of the sensing area  220  may extend up to and wrap around the distal end  101  of the finger surface region  102  when the distal end  101  generally receives force loads thereon when performing a predetermined task with an operator&#39;s hand. Additionally or alternatively, by way of further example, the plurality of sensors  224  of the sensing area  220  may be curved along the finger surface region  102  in correspondence to a surface contour of an operator&#39;s hand at the finger surface region  102 , as depicted in  FIG. 2C . 
     In the present example, the plurality of sensors  224  extend along curved anatomical portions of the finger surface region  102 , in addition to planar anatomical portions, to thereby position at least one sensor  224  of the sensing area  220  along each anatomical portion of the finger surface region  102  that generally receives a force load. Although a single sensing area  220  is shown and described on the finger surface region  102  of the present example, it should be understood that additional and/or fewer sensing areas  220  may be positioned along various other anatomical portions of the finger surface region  102  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, it should be understood that the plurality of sensors  224  within an individual sensing area  220  may vary in size and shape relative one another and various other sizes, shapes and positions of the one or more sensing areas  220  and sensors  224  along the finger surface region  102  may be included on the glove apparatus  200  than those shown and depicted herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2B , an example sensing area  220  for  FIG. 2A  is depicted. Each sensing area  220  may include a plurality of various and different sensing regions  222 , such as a first sensing region  222 A including a first plurality of sensors  224 A, a second sensing region  222 B including a second plurality of sensors  224 B, a third sensing region  222 C including a plurality of sensors  224 C, a fourth sensing region  222 D including a fourth plurality of sensors  224 D, and a fifth sensing region  222 E including a fifth plurality of sensors  224 E. The plurality of sensors  224 A- 224 E may be arranged underneath each sensing region or above each sensing region so that a force applied to any portion of the sensing regions  222 A- 222 E will apply a force to at least one of the plurality of sensors  224 A- 224 E. The sensing regions  222 A- 222 E may be adjacent to one another, or have a gap provided between each sensing region. Additionally, the sensing regions  222 A- 222 E may be arranged in any configuration in order to accurately detect an applied force, including adding additional sensing regions to the sensing area  220 . 
     As mentioned above, the various components of the sensor systems  10 ,  20  described with respect to  FIGS. 1A-2B  may be used to carry out one or more processes and/or provide functionality for receiving force data from the one or more sensing areas  120 ,  220  of the glove apparatuses  100 ,  200 , processing the force data, and determining estimated localized subareas of sensing regions  122  and/or sensors  224 , load distributions across the sensing regions  122  and/or sensors  224 , and/or pressure magnitudes thereon from the processed force data. The various components of the sensor systems  10 ,  20  may further be used to carry out one or more processes and/or provide functionality for improving an accuracy of the estimated pressure magnitude determination, and in particular, the formula utilized by the server computing device  14  to determine accurate pressure measurements from a force received along the glove apparatuses  100 ,  200 . An illustrative example of the various processes is described with respect to  FIGS. 3-4 . 
     Referring now to the flow diagram of  FIG. 3  in conjunction with  FIGS. 1A and 1B , an illustrative method  300  of localizing and measuring a force load applied to the glove apparatus  100  is schematically depicted. More specifically, the glove apparatus  100  is operable to measure a resultant pressure generated from a force load received along the one or more sensing areas  120  on a surface of an occupant&#39;s hand. The depiction of  FIG. 3  and the accompanying description below is not meant to limit the subject matter described herein or represent an exact description of how forces may be localized and measured, but instead is meant to provide a simple schematic overview to illustrate the general force localization characteristics of the method described herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , in conjunction with the sensor system  10  of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a flow diagram is schematically depicted of an illustrative method  300  of determining a pressure magnitude in response to the glove apparatus  100  receiving a force applied thereon. Initially, at step  302 , a force applied to a sensing area  120  of a sensor system  10  is detected. Referring to  FIG. 1B , the sensing area  120  includes a first sensing region  122 A and a second sensing region  122 B, the first sensing region  122 A including a first sensor  124 A, and the second sensing region including a second sensor  124 B. As stated above, a sensing area  120  may include a plurality of sensing regions  122 A-E, where each sensing region  122 A-E includes a sensor  124 A-E, as depicted in  FIG. 1B . The applied force generates an electrical signal within each sensor  124 A-E that has a force applied to a corresponding sensing region  122 A-E. This allows the sensors  124 A-E arranged within the sensing regions  122 A-E to detect the force applied to the sensing regions  122 A-E. In this instance, the force data detected by the sensors  124 A-E is transmitted to the server computing device  14  of the sensor system  10  via the computer network  16  in the form of an electrical signal  15 . As a user wears the glove apparatus  100  and then performs some task (e.g., pushing a box, inserting a screw), a force is applied to the glove apparatus  100 . This input force is received by the sensing areas  120  which are arranged on the surface of the glove apparatus  100 . 
     At step  304 , activated states of sensors of the plurality of sensing regions are determined. Referring to  FIG. 1B , as the force is applied to the sensing area  120 , an electrical signal is produced by the sensors  124 A-E of the sensing regions  122 A-E in response to the force. The electrical signal can be produced through a piezoelectric material, a potentiometer, or the like arranged within the sensing areas  120 . 
     The server computing device  14  determines whether a state of the sensing regions  122 A-E receiving the force is in an activated state or an inactivated state. The determination of whether a sensing region  122 A-E is in an activated state is made based on the electrical signals of the sensors  124 A-E of the sensing regions  122 A-E and the electrical signals of the sensors  124 A-E of other sensing regions  122 A-E. For example, if a single sensing region, for example, the fifth sensing region  122 E, including sensor  124 E, produces an electrical signal significantly less that the other sensing regions  122 A-D, then it would be determined that the fifth sensing region  122 E is in an inactivated state, and may be removed from further calculations, while the sensing regions  122 A- 122 D may be determined to be in an activated state. Accordingly, it should be understood that in some instances the sensing regions  122 A-E that receive a force applied thereto may not detect the force along the individual, discrete area of the sensing regions  122 A-E. 
     At step  306 , force measurements are determined. The determination of the force measurements may be based on the electrical signals of the sensors  124 A-E. For example, a first force measurement of the first sensor  124 A may be determined based on a generated electrical signal of the first sensor  124 A. In some embodiments, the first force measurement of the first sensor  124 A is determined based on a peak generated electrical signal of the first sensor  124 A. As a movement is performed by a user, the electrical signal of the first sensor  124 A is recorded (e.g., for a time interval of 5 seconds). After the movement is performed, that electrical signal is compared to a corresponding calibration curve for the first sensor  124 A. The peak force over the time interval experienced by the first sensor  124 A is then determined. Additionally, for example, a second force measurement of the second sensor  124 B may be determined based on a generated electrical signal of the second sensor  124 B. In some embodiments, the second force measurement of the second sensor  124 B is determined based on a peak generated electrical signal of the second sensor  124 B. Similar to the how the force measurement of the first sensor  124 A is determined, as a movement is performed by a user, the electrical signal of the second sensor  124 B is recorded (e.g., for a time interval of 5 seconds). After the movement is performed, that electrical signal is compared to a corresponding calibration curve for the second sensor  124 B. The peak force over the time interval experienced by the second sensor  124 B is then determined. During a procedure, a user may push on an object while wearing the sensor system  10 . Over the time interval of the procedure, the force applied is detected at a sampling rate of 20-40 Hz, although other sampling rates may be considered. The peak electrical signals generated by sensing regions  122 A-E may be translated into peak force values based on a stored calibration curve. The stored calibration curve may be compiled in a lab setting where various known forces were applied to the sensing regions  122 A-E, and the corresponding electrical signals of the sensors  124 A-E were recorded in order to create the stored calibration curve over the effect measuring range of the sensing regions  122 A-E. For example, if a voltage of 2 volts is being output by the first sensor  124 A of the first sensing region  122 A, then the corresponding force value when the first sensor  124 A is detecting 2 volts may be 10 lbf applied to the first sensing region  122 A. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , at step  308 , a total applied force is determined. Referring to the example being described in the preceding paragraphs, the total applied force may be determined based on the first force measurement and the second force measurement. The total applied force is determined by summing the first force measurement and the second force measurement of the first sensor  124 A and the second sensor  124 B, respectively. After each sensing region  122 A-E has its peak force measurements calculated based on the stored calibration curves, each of the peak force measurements are summed together to determine the peak total applied force across the sampling rate. For example, the total applied force is represented by the following equation: F Total = 1 +F 2 + . . . . +F N , where N is the total number of sensing regions  122 A-E within the sensing area  120 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , at step  310 , relative magnitudes of the sensing regions are determined. Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, a first relative magnitude of the first sensing region  122 A is determined based on the first force measurement, a first area of the first sensing region  122 A, and at least a portion of the total area of the sensing area  120 . Additionally, at step  310 , a second relative magnitude of the second sensing region  122 B is determined based on the second force measurement, the first area of the first sensing region  122 A, and at least a portion of the total area of the sensing area  120 . As stated above, a sensing area  120  is broken into various sensing regions  122 A-E of different sizes across which a total force is applied. The relative magnitude (F R ) of a sensing region  122 A-E is represented by the equation: Relative Magnitude (F RN )=(Applied Force (F N )/Area of Sensing Region (A N )). Since the total applied force is applied across the sensing area  120 , each of the sensing regions  122 A-E may be related to one another based on the area of each sensing region  122 A-E and the total applied force to the sensing area  120 . For example, if the first sensing region  122 A has half as much area as a second sensing region  122 B, then the force applied to the second sensing region  122 B (F 2 ) in terms of the force applied to the first sensing region  122 A (F 1 ) would be half of F 1 . A system equation for each individual sensing region  122 A-E within a sensing area  120  may be created, placing the forces applied to each sensing region  122 A-E in terms of that particular sensing region&#39;s measured peak applied force. If the sensing regions  122 A-E of the sensing area  120  all had the applied force applied across their total area, then each of the system equations for the sensing regions  122 A-E would equal the total applied force. If a sensing region  122 A-E did not have a force applied across its total area, then the force calculated by the system equation using the relative magnitudes would be less than the total applied force. 
     At step  312 , regional confidence factors are determined. Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, a first regional confidence factor for the first sensing region  122 A is determined based on the first relative magnitude, and the total applied force. Additionally, for example, a second regional confidence factor for the second sensing region  122 B is determined based on the second relative magnitude, and the total applied force. The equation to calculate a regional confidence factor is as follows: Regional Confidence Factor (RCF N )=F RN /F Total . If a sensing region  122 A-E had the total applied force applied across its entire area, than the regional confidence factor would be equal to 100%, since the relative magnitude would be equal to the total applied force when calculated using the system equations from step  310 . This process would be repeated for each sensing region  122 A-E within a sensing area  120  so that a regional confidence factor for each sensing region  122 A-E is calculated. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , at step  314 , a raw confidence factor is determined. Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, a raw confidence factor is determined based on the first regional confidence factor and the second regional confidence factor. In some embodiments, the raw confidence factor is determined by averaging the first regional confidence factor and the second regional confidence factor. The raw confidence factor is an average of each of the regional confidence factors in some embodiments. For example, if each of the regional confidence factors from step  312  were equal to 100%, then that would represent that all of the force imparted to a sensing area  120  was captured by the activated sensing regions  122 A-E. This would yield a raw confidence factor of 100%, where the equation governing the raw total confidence is as follows: Raw Confidence Factor (RCF N )=((RCF 1 +RCF 2 + . . . +RCF N )/N)*100%. 
     At step  316 , the raw confidence factor is compared to a threshold confidence factor. For example, in some embodiments it is determined if the raw confidence factor is below a threshold confidence factor. If a regional confidence factor were not equal to 100%, representing that a particular sensing region  122 A-E did not receive the full force applied across its total area, then the raw confidence factor would be less than 100%, and may dip below an acceptable confidence factor threshold. In embodiments, the threshold confidence factor may be set by a user prior to performing the method, or may be preset to help avoid injury to a user. For example, the threshold confidence factor may be set to a 90% threshold, where the raw confidence factor represents the system&#39;s confidence in that is collected all the force applied to the sensing regions  122 A-E. 
     At step  318 , a correction algorithm is initiated to calculate a corrected confidence factor. In some embodiments, the determination to perform the correction algorithm is based on a comparison of the raw confidence factor and a threshold confidence factor of step  316 . In some embodiments, the correction algorithm to calculate the corrected confidence factor is performed if the raw confidence factor is below the threshold confidence factor. In the event the raw confidence factor falls below the threshold confidence factor, it is determined that a portion of the force applied to a sensing area  120 , and particularly to a sensing region  122 A-E, was not applied properly to the glove apparatus  100 . This is detrimental in situations where the glove apparatus  100  is being used to monitor the ergonomics of a user performing a task. If the force applied to the sensing area  120  is not applied correctly, this can lead to fatigue problems and injury to the user. In some embodiments, in order to ensure that force applied to the glove is not missed, and to ensure total applied force is measured appropriately, an inclusive non-discrete correction algorithm is performed on sensing regions  122 A-E where the relative magnitude is not equal to the total applied force, as will be described further below. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , at step  320 , a correct sensing region is determined. Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, the first sensing region  122 A is a correct sensing region based on the first regional confidence factor. Additionally, at step  320 , an incorrect sensing region is determined. Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, the second sensing region  122 B is an incorrect sensing region based on the second regional confidence factor. An incorrect sensing region is determined by comparing the relative magnitude to the total applied force, and if not equal values, then that particular sensing region is marked as an incorrect sensing region. The incorrect regional confidence factor of an incorrect sensing region lowers the total area raw confidence factor in step  314 . In some embodiments, only the incorrect sensing regions are recalculated, since the correct sensing regions accurately captured the applied force across their total area. For example, if the regional confidence factor of the first sensing region  122 A was equal to 100%, then the first sensing region  122 A would be flagged as a correct sensing region. Since first sensing region  122 A is arranged on the edge of the sensing area  120  and has a smaller area than the second sensing region  122 B, the first sensing region  122 A is more likely to be fully loaded across its total area than the second sensing region  122 B. 
     At step  322 , an activation area is determined. Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, the determination of the activation area of the incorrect sensing region is based on an activated state of the first sensor  124 A. As stated above, a sensing area  120  is formed from a plurality of sensing regions  122 A-E, which may be identical or different sizes. Based on the loading of each individual sensing region  122 A-E within a sensing area  120 , the activation area of the sensing area  120  is able to be determined, which corresponds to which sensing regions  122 A-E within the sensing area  120  that are not fully loaded across their total area. For example, if the first sensor  124 A is fully loaded, but the adjacent second sensing region  122 B is not fully loaded, having a low regional confidence factor, it may be determined that a larger force than what is detected by the second sensor  124 B is being applied to the second sensing region  122 B. This also applies when multiple sensing regions  122 A-E are in an activated state and fully loaded, which may show the pressure gradient across the whole sensing area  120 . 
     At step  324 , a force distribution is determined. Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, the determination of the force distribution of the incorrect sensing region based on the applied force to the first sensor  124 A. If some of the sensing regions  122 A-E are fully loaded on one side of the sensing area  120 , but the force readings decrease as the force is applied across the sensing area  120  to the opposite side, such as across the second sensing region  122 B and towards the fourth sensing region  122 D, the second sensing region  122 B arranged in-between the two sides of the sensing area  120  may not be fully loaded. Since the second sensing region  122 B is not fully loaded, this would cause a discrepancy in the relative magnitude of that particular sensing region  122 B, and therefore cause a lowering in the raw regional confidence factor. The inclusive non-discrete correction algorithm would determine that the activation area of incorrect sensing regions is less than the total area of the incorrect sensing regions. For example, based on the surrounding sensing regions  122 A and  122 C-E, the inclusive non-discrete correction algorithm would determine that an incorrect sensing region, the second sensing region  122 B, only has a load applied across 75% of its total area. 
     At step  326 , a corrected corresponding peak force measurement of the incorrect sensing region is calculated. Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, the corrected corresponding peak force measurement is based on the activation area and force distribution of the incorrect sensing region. The corrected corresponding peak force measurement of the incorrect sensing region may be a scaled peak force measurement based on a stored calibration curve. Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, after determining which sensing regions  122 A-E are activated, and how the force is distributed across the sensing area  120 , a corrected corresponding peak force measurement can be calculated for the incorrect sensing region  122 B. The corrected corresponding peak force measurement may be a scaled value of the measured peak force used to calculate the raw confidence factor. In some embodiments, in order to scale the corrected corresponding peak force measurement appropriately, an algorithm developed using artificial intelligence from controlled experiments in a lab setting may be used to determine the scaled corrected corresponding peak force measurement. The artificial intelligence algorithm is based on the activation area and force distribution, and their relationship to the total applied force. Additionally, in some embodiments, stored calibrations for a plurality of measured activation areas and force distributions may be used to scale the corrected corresponding peak force measurement. If an exact match does not exist within the stored calibrations, a scale factor can be interpolated between stored calibrations in order to determine the corrected corresponding peak force measurement. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , at step  328 , a corrected regional confidence factor for the incorrect sensing region is determined. Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, the corrected regional confidence factor may be based on the second relative magnitude, the corrected corresponding peak force measurement for the incorrect sensing region, and the total applied force. For example, using the corrected corresponding peak force measurement from step  326 , and the system equations for an incorrect sensing region  122 B from step  310 , a corrected regional confidence factor for a flagged incorrect sensing region  122 B can be calculated. The corrected regional confidence factor should be closer to 100% than the raw regional confidence factor. 
     At step  330 , a corrected confidence factor is determined. Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, the corrected confidence factor is determined by averaging the regional confidence factor of the correct sensing region and the corrected regional confidence factor of the incorrect sensing region. Similar to step  314 , the corrected confidence factor is representative of all of the inclusive force applied to the sensing area  120 . Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, the corrected confidence factor is calculated using the same confidence factors for the correct region  122 A, and the corrected regional confidence factors of the incorrect region  122 B. 
     At step  332 , the corrected confidence factor is compared to the threshold confidence factor. The corrected confidence factor may be higher than the raw confidence factor, since the corrected confidence factor includes all-inclusive force applied to the sensing area  120 . 
     In some embodiments, once the corrected confidence factor is calculated, the corrected confidence factor may be displayed to a user so the user is aware of the confidence factor. If the corrected confidence factor is still below the threshold confidence factor, it may require the user to perform the movement again, with a new data collection process. If the corrected confidence factor is below the threshold value, it may show that a force was applied to an area of the sensor system  10  that did not have a sensing area  120 , which may correlate to bad ergonomics of the user. 
     Referring now to the flow diagram of  FIG. 4  in conjunction with  FIGS. 2A and 2B , an illustrative method  400  of localizing and measuring a force load applied to the glove apparatus  200  is schematically depicted. More specifically, the glove apparatus  200  is operable to measure a resultant pressure generated from a force load received along the one or more sensing areas  220  on a surface of an occupant&#39;s hand. The depiction of  FIG. 4  and the accompanying description below is not meant to limit the subject matter described herein or represent an exact description of how forces may be localized and measured, but instead is meant to provide a simple schematic overview to illustrate the general force localization characteristics of the method described herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , in conjunction with the sensor system  20  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a flow diagram is schematically depicted of an illustrative method  400  of determining a pressure magnitude in response to the glove apparatus  200  receiving a force applied thereon. Initially, at step  402 , a force applied to a sensing area of a sensor system is detected. Referring to  FIG. 2B , the sensing area  220  includes a first sensing region  222 A and a second sensing region  222 B, the first sensing region  222 A including a first plurality of sensors  224 A, and the second sensing region  222 B including a second plurality of sensors  224 B. As stated above, a sensing area  220  may include a plurality of sensing regions  222 A-E, with each sensing region  222 A-E including a plurality of sensors  224 A-E, as depicted in  FIG. 2B . The applied force generates an electrical signal within each of the plurality of sensors  224 A-E. This allows the sensors  224 A-E arranged within the sensing regions  222 A-E detect the force applied to the sensing regions  222 A-E, respectively. The amount of sensors  224 A within the first sensing region  222 A can vary depending on the size and shape of the first sensing region  222 A. Additionally, the amount of sensors  224 B within the second sensing region  222 B can vary depending on the size and shape of the second sensing region  222 B. In this instance, the force data detected by the sensors  224 A-E is transmitted to the server computing device  14  of the sensor system  20  via the computer network  16  in the form of an electrical signal  15 . As a user wears the glove apparatus  200  and then performs some task (e.g., pushing a box, inserting a screw), a force is applied to the glove apparatus  200 . This input force is received by the sensing areas  220  which are arranged on the surface of the glove apparatus  200 . 
     At step  404 , a plurality of activated states of the plurality of sensors of sensing regions is determined. The determination of activated states of the plurality of sensors is based on the detected force of the plurality of sensors. Referring to  FIG. 2B , the first sensing region  222 A is placed in an inactive state if the detected force of the first sensing region  222 A is outside a ratio threshold when compared to the detected force of the second sensing region  222 B. As the force is applied to the sensing area  220 , an electrical signal is produced by the plurality of sensors  224 A-E of the sensing regions  222 A-E in response to the force. The electrical signal can be produced through a piezoelectric material, a potentiometer, or the like arranged within the sensing areas  220 . 
     The server computing device  14  determines whether a state of the sensing regions  222 A-E receiving the force is in an activated state or an inactivated state. The determination of an activated state is based on the electrical signal of each individual sensor  2224 A-E, and comparing the values of each electrical signal. For example, if a single sensing region, such as the fifth sensing region  222 E, having the plurality of sensors  224 E, produces an electrical signal significantly less that the other sensing regions  222 A-D, then it would be determined that the fifth sensing region  222 E is in an inactivated state, and may be removed from further calculations, while the sensing regions  222 A- 222 D may be determined to be in an activated state. Accordingly, it should be understood that in some instances the sensing regions  222 A-E that receive a force applied thereto may not detect the force along the individual, discrete area of the sensing regions  222 A-E. 
     At step  406 , a plurality of force measurements are determined based on electrical signals of the plurality of sensors. For example, first force measurements of the first plurality of sensors  224 A may be determined based on a generated electrical signal of the first plurality of sensors  224 A. In some embodiments, the first force measurements of the first plurality of sensors  224 A are determined based on a peak generated electrical signal of the first plurality of sensors  224 A. As a movement is performed by a user, the electrical signal of the first plurality of sensors  224 A is recorded (i.e., for a time interval of 5 seconds). After the movement is performed, that electrical signal is compared to a corresponding calibration curve for the first plurality of sensors  224 A. The peak force over the time interval experienced by the first plurality of sensors  224 A is then determined. Additionally, for example, second force measurements of the second plurality of sensors  224 B may be determined based on a generated electrical signal of the second plurality of sensors  224 B. In some embodiments, the second force measurements of the second plurality of sensors  224 B are determined based on a peak generated electrical signal of the second plurality of sensors  224 B. Similar to the how the force measurement of the first sensor  224 A is determined, as a movement is performed by a user, the electrical signal of the second plurality of sensors  224 B is recorded (i.e., for a time interval of 5 seconds). After the movement is performed, that electrical signals are compared to a corresponding calibration curve for the second plurality of sensors  224 B. The peak force over the time interval experienced by the second plurality of sensors  224 B is then determined. The peak force measurements are calculated using stored calibration curves including the relationship between the peak generated electrical signals and a corresponding force measurement. During a procedure, a user may push on an object while wearing the sensor system  20 . Over the time interval of the procedure, a the force applied is detected at a sampling rate of 20-40 Hz, although other sampling rates may be considered. The peak electrical signal generated by a sensing regions  222 A-E may be translated into a peak force value based on a stored calibration curve. The stored calibration curves may be compiled in a lab setting where various known forces were applied to the sensing regions  222 , and the corresponding electrical signals were recorded in order to create the stored calibration curve over the effect measuring range of the sensing regions  222 A-E. For example, if a voltage of 2 volts is being read in by the first plurality of sensors  224 A of the first sensing region  222 A, then the corresponding force value when the first plurality of sensors  224 A is detecting 2 volts may be 20 lbf applied to the first sensing region  222 A. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 4 , at step  408 , a total applied force is determined. Referring to the example being described in the preceding paragraphs, the total applied force may be determined based on the force measurements. The total applied force is determined by summing the plurality of peak force measurements of the first plurality of sensors  224 A and the second plurality of sensors  224 B, respectively. After each sensing region  222 A-E has its peak force measurements calculated based on the stored calibration curves, each of the peak force measurements are summed together to determine the peak total applied force across the sampling rate. For example, the total applied force is represented by the following equation: F Total =F 1 +F 2 + . . . . +F N , where N is the total number of sensing regions  222 A-E within a sensing area  220 . 
     At step  410 , relative magnitudes of the sensing regions are determined. Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, a first relative magnitude of the first sensing region  222 A is determined based on the force measurements of the plurality of sensors  224 A of the first sensing region  222 A, a first area of the first sensing region  222 A, and at least a portion of the total area of the sensing area  220 . In some embodiments, the first relative magnitude of the first sensing region  222 A is determined based on the peak force measurements of the plurality of sensors  224 A of the first sensing region  222 A, the first area of the first sensing region  222 A, and at least a portion of the total area of the sensing area  220 . Additionally, for example, a second relative magnitude of the second sensing region  222 B is determined based on the force measurements of the plurality of sensors  224 B of the second sensing region  222 B, the first area of the first sensing region  222 A, and at least a portion of the total area of the sensing area  220 . In some embodiments, the second relative magnitude of the second sensing region  222 B is determined based on the peak force measurements of the plurality of sensors  224 B of the second sensing region  222 B, the first area of the first sensing region  222 A, and the second area of the second sensing region  222 B. As stated above, a sensing area  220  may be broken into various sensing regions  222 A-E of different sizes across which a total force is applied. The relative magnitude (F R ) of a sensing region  222 A-E is represented by the equation: Relative Magnitude (F RN )=(Applied Force (F N )/Area of Sensing Region (A N )). Since the total applied force is applies across the sensing area  220 , each of the sensing regions  222 A-E may be related to one another based on the area of each sensing region  222 A-E and the total applied force to the sensing area  220 . For example, if a first sensing region  222 A has half as much area as a second sensing region  222 B, then the force applied to the second sensing region  222 B (F 2 ) in terms of the force applied to the first sensing region  222 A (F 1 ) would be half of F 1 . A system equation for each individual sensing region  222 A-E within a sensing area  220  may be created, placing the forces applied to each sensing region  222 A-E in terms of that particular sensing region&#39;s measured peak applied force. If the sensing regions  222 A-E of a sensing area  220  all had the applied force applied across their total area, then each of the system equations for the sensing regions  222 A-E would equal the total applied force. If a sensing region  222 A-E did not have a force applied across its total area, then the force calculated by the system equation using the relative magnitudes would be less than the total applied force. 
     At step  412 , regional confidence factors for the sensing regions are determined. Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, a first regional confidence factor for the first sensing region  222 A is determined based on the first relative magnitude and the total applied force. Additionally, for example, a second regional confidence factor for the second sensing region  222 B is determined based on the second relative magnitude and the total applied force. The equation to calculate a regional confidence factor is as follows: Regional Confidence Factor (RCF N )=F RN /F Total . If a sensing region  222 A-E had the total applied force applied across its entire area, than the regional confidence factor would be equal to 100%, since the relative magnitude would be equal to the total applied force when calculated using the system equations described above. This process would be repeated for each sensing region  222 A-E within a sensing area  220  so that a regional confidence factor for each sensing region  222 A-E is calculated. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 4 , at step  414 , a raw confidence factor is determined. Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, a raw confidence factor is determined based on the first regional confidence factor and the second regional confidence factor. The raw confidence factor is determined by averaging the first regional confidence factor and the second regional confidence factor in some embodiments. The raw confidence factor is an average of each of the regional confidence factors in some embodiments. For example, if each of the regional confidence factors from step  312  where equal to 100%, then that would represent that all of the force imparted to a sensing area  220  was captured by the sensing regions  222 A-E. This would yield a raw confidence factor of 100%, where the equation governing the raw total confidence is as follows: Raw Confidence Factor (RCF N )=((RCF 1 +RCF 2 + . . . +RCF N )/N)*100%. 
     At step  416 , the raw confidence factor is compared to a threshold confidence factor. For example, in some embodiments it is determined if the raw confidence factor is below a threshold confidence factor. If a regional confidence factor were not equal to 100%, representing that a sensing region  222 A-E did not receive the full force applied across its total area, then the raw confidence factor would be less than 100%, and may dip below an acceptable confidence factor threshold. In embodiments, the threshold confidence factor may be set by a user prior to performing the method, or may be preset to help avoid injury to a user. For example, the threshold confidence factor may be set to a 90% threshold, where the raw confidence factor represents the system&#39;s confidence in that is collected all the force applied to the sensing regions  222 A-E. 
     At step  418 , a correction algorithm is initiated to calculate a corrected confidence factor. In some embodiments, the determination to perform the correction algorithm is based on a comparison of the raw confidence factor and a threshold confidence factor of step  416 . In some embodiments, the correction algorithm to calculate the corrected confidence factor is performed if the raw confidence factor is below the threshold confidence factor. In the event the raw confidence factor falls below the threshold confidence factor, it is determined that a portion of the force applied to a sensing area  220 , and particularly to a sensing region  222 A-E was not applied properly to the glove apparatus  200 . This is detrimental in situations where the glove apparatus  200  is being used to monitor the ergonomics of a user performing a task. If the force applied to the sensing area  220  is not applied correctly, this can lead to fatigue problems and injury to the user. In some embodiments, in order to ensure that force applied to the glove is not missed, and to ensure total applied force is measured appropriately, an inclusive discrete correction algorithm is performed on sensing regions  222 A-E which a relative magnitude not equal to the total applied force, as will be described further below. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 4 , at step  420 , a correct sensing region is determined. Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, the first sensing region  222 A is a correct sensing region based on the first regional confidence factor. Additionally, at step  420 , an incorrect sensing region is determined. Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, the second sensing region  222 B is an incorrect sensing region based on the second regional confidence factor. An incorrect sensing region is determined by comparing the relative magnitude to the total applied force, and if not equal values, then that particular sensing region is marked as an incorrect sensing region. The incorrect regional confidence factor of an incorrect sensing region lowers the total area raw confidence factor in step  414 . In some embodiments, only the incorrect sensing regions are recalculated, since the correct sensing regions accurately captured the applied force across their total area. For example, if the regional confidence factor of the first sensing region  222 A was equal to 100%, then the first sensing region  222 A would be flagged as a correct sensing region. Since first sensing region  222 A is arranged on the edge of the sensing area  220  and has a smaller area than the second sensing region  222 B, the first sensing region  222 A is more likely to be fully loaded across its total area than the second sensing region  222 B. 
     At step  422 , an activation area is determined. Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, the determination of the activation area of the incorrect sensing region is based on an activated state of the plurality of sensors within the incorrect sensing region. As stated above, a sensing area  220  is formed from a plurality of sensing regions  222 A-E, with each sensing regions  222 A-E having a plurality of sensors  224 A-E arranged therein, respectively. The sensing regions  222 A-E may be identical or different sizes, and may have different amounts of sensors  224 A-E. Based on the loading of each individual sensor  224 A-E within a sensing region  222 A-E, which is within a sensing area  220 , the activation area of the sensing area  220  is able to be determined, which corresponds to which sensing regions  222 A-E within the sensing area  220  are not fully loaded across their total area. For example, if the second plurality of sensors  224 B with the second sensing region  222 B are not all fully activated, but a portion of the plurality of sensors  224 B are fully loaded, it may be determined that a larger force than what is detected by the second plurality of sensors  224 B is being applied to the second sensing region  222 B. This also applies when multiple sensing regions  222 A-E are in an activated state and fully loaded, which may show the pressure gradient across the whole sensing area  220 . 
     At step  424 , a force distribution is determined. Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, the determination of the force distribution of the incorrect sensing region is based on the applied force to each sensor of the plurality of sensors of the incorrect sensing region. If some of the sensors  224 B within the second sensing region  222 B are fully loaded on one side of the second sensing region  222 B, but the force readings decrease as the force is applied across the second sensing region  222 B to the opposite side, such as across the second sensing region  222 B and towards the fourth sensing region  222 D, the second sensing region  222 B may not be fully loaded. Since the second sensing region  222 B is not fully loaded, this would cause a discrepancy in the relative magnitude of the second sensing region  222 B, and therefore cause a lowering in the raw regional confidence factor. The inclusive discrete correction algorithm would determine that the activation area of the incorrect sensing region  222 B is less than the total area of the incorrect sensing region  222 B, based on the activated state of the plurality of sensors  224 B within the second sensing region  222 B. For example, based on the activated plurality of sensors  224 B within the second sensing region  222 B, the inclusive discrete correction algorithm would determine that an incorrect sensing region  222 B only has a load applied across 75% of its total area, since only three of the four sensors  224 B are in an activated state. 
     At step  426 , a corrected corresponding peak force measurement of the incorrect sensing region is calculated based on the activation area and force distribution of the incorrect sensing region. The corrected corresponding peak force measurement of the incorrect sensing region is determined based on the activation area and force distribution of the incorrect sensing region  222 B may be a scaled peak force measurement based on a stored calibration curve. After determining which sensors  224 A-E within the sensing regions  222 A-E are activated, and how the force is distributed across the sensing regions  222 A-E, a corrected corresponding peak force measurement can be calculated for the incorrect sensing region  222 B. The corrected corresponding peak force measurement may be a scaled value of the measured peak force used to calculate the raw confidence factor. In some embodiments, in order to scale the corrected corresponding peak force measurement appropriately, an algorithm developed using artificial intelligence from controlled experiments in a lab setting may be used to determine the scaled corrected corresponding peak force measurement. The artificial intelligence algorithm is based on the activation area and force distribution, and their relationship to the total applied force. Additionally, in some embodiments, stored calibrations for a plurality of measured activation areas and force distributions may be used to scale the corrected corresponding peak force measurement. If an exact match does not exist within the stored calibrations, a scale factor can be interpolated between stored calibrations in order to determine the corrected corresponding peak force measurement. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 4 , at step  428 , a corrected regional confidence factor for the incorrect sensing region is determined. Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, the corrected regional confidence factor for the incorrect sensing region  222 B may be based on the second relative magnitude, the corrected corresponding peak force measurement for the incorrect sensing region  222 B, and the total applied force. Using the corrected corresponding peak force measurement from step  426 , and the system equations for an incorrect sensing region from step  420 , a corrected regional confidence factor for a flagged incorrect sensing region can be calculated. The corrected regional confidence factor should be closer to 100% than the raw regional confidence factor. 
     At step  430 , a corrected confidence factor is determined. Referring to the example described in the preceding paragraphs, the corrected confidence factor is determined by averaging the regional confidence factor of the correct sensing region  222 A and the corrected regional confidence factor of the incorrect sensing region  222 B. Similar to step  414 , the corrected confidence factor is representative of all of the inclusive force applied to the sensing area  220 . The corrected confidence factor is calculated using the same confidence factors for the correct region  222 A, and the corrected regional confidence factors of the incorrect region  222 B. 
     At step  432 , the corrected confidence factor is compared to the threshold confidence factor. The corrected confidence factor may be higher than the raw confidence factor, since the corrected confidence factor includes all-inclusive force applied to the sensing area  220 . 
     In embodiments, once the corrected confidence factor is calculated, the corrected confidence factor may be displayed to a user so the user is aware of the confidence factor. If the corrected confidence factor is still below the threshold confidence factor, it may require the user to perform the movement again, with a new data collection process. If the corrected confidence factor is below the threshold value, it may show that a force was applied to an area of the sensor system  20  that did not have a sensing area  220 , which may correlate to bad ergonomics of the user. 
     Accordingly, the embodiments describe herein improve an accuracy of measuring a pressure received along a sensor assembly of the glove by determining an actual active area of a sensor that receives a force thereon for incorporation into actual force computations. Providing a sensor system that localizes an inclusive force received along a sensor may assist in accurately measuring a resultant pressure calculated from a force applied thereto. The sensor system may aid in determining an appropriate method, such as a physical position or orientation, in performing a task by detecting and measuring various forces received at an operator&#39;s hand at an actual active area along a surface of the operator&#39;s hand with accuracy by localizing the area that the force was received on the sensor system for accurate measurement. 
     It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue. 
     While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.