Axiom was established in May of 1995 and consisted of the Tactile Sensor System and Architectural CAD Software. In April of 1998, the Architectural CAD department was spun-off as a separate company known as Paltio. Now, Axiom is exclusively devoted to the Tactile Sensor System and its associated software.

As the first of its kind in the world, this revolutionary system can measure the stiffness of materials like the touch of a finger and display objective and quantitative data in real time.

The system employs a piezoelectric ceramic as a transducer (PZT) which vibrates at its inherent resonance frequency when electricity is applied. When the free end of the PZT touches a material the resonance frequency shifts due to acoustic impedance. The resulting changes in frequency are measured and swiftly and sequentially processed by the CPU. Please see the Biosensor Explanation for a thorough discussion.

Ultrasound technology, which is based on the echo of ultrasound waves, provides a picture based on contour, while the Biosensor system, which is based on changes in frequencies, distinguishes characteristics by measuring stiffness. Additionally, the Biosensor can be designed for invasive measurements in narrow areas.

Various research has shown a statistically significant relationship between the stiffness of a material and the change in frequency as measured by the Biosensor. A look at the Sample Data pages will help clarify this.

Axiom has developed Several Systems according to the users' needs: the Pen Type, for general utility which includes pressure and depression sensors with a replaceable tactile sensor tip; the Venustron, similar to the Pen-Type but with computer-controlled depression via a motor unit; the Venus Handy, a very simplified version of the Venustron;  the Catheter Type for invasive measurements; and the slim Rod Type for arthroscopic procedures. The Biomechanical Analysis System has computer-controlled and motor-driven capability for measurements of tissue characteristics and mechanics.

Depending on the type of sensor used, the contact area, and the type of material, measurements can generally be made between 3 and 10 mm deep.

This also depends on the system type. The resonance frequency of the PZT is usually higher than that of the material which is being measured. Operating frequencies can range from 60 kHz to 200 kHz.

This depends on the shape and size of the sensor that is used. For example, the Venustron can measure a surface as thin as 25 microns, which is perfect for measurements of the skin's stratum corneum.

Different amounts of pressure and resulting depressions can be applied and measured. Some sensors such as the Venustron are equipped with a pressure sensor so that stiffness measurements can be seen at various amounts of pressure.  This same amount of pressure can be used for comparisons between measurements.  Sensors that are not equipped with pressure sensors, like the Catheter-Type, are usually used for very soft tissue at very small points.  The stiffness of the material can be determined at a point when additional pressure causes insignificant changes in frequency. Due to the small contact area when the sensor is applied, this point can quickly be determined.

Patents gained approval in the United States in June 1998, in Australia in December 1999, and in Japan in January 2001. The same patent is pending in 11 other countries.

Although this system is not yet approved for clinical and invasive measurements and diagnoses on humans, Axiom is in the approval process.

This system is very stable, but the measurements can be affected by large changes in temperature. The PZT can operate up to about 100^oC. For the best research results, Axiom recommends taking measurements at room temperature with controlled humidity.  This is especially important for biological material such as skin, the physical properties of which are always changing due to changes in any of several significant factors such as hydration, temperature, stress, etc.  Axiom is currently developing special ways to waterproof and sterilize the systems especially those that are used for internal measurements.

Simply apply the sensor to material. There are many medical researchers in various countries who are using and evaluating the Biosensor systems, and they have provided highly positive feedback. You may wish to review the Various Research that has been published using the Biosensor.

Several other researchers and companies have tried to develop a similar tactile sensor system, but only Axiom has succeeded.

Yes. Eventually, Axiom would like this system to be used in many fields of medical research. Please feel free to Contact Us for more details.

Presently, Axiom has a licensing agreement with a new Swedish company, BioResonator AB, which will distribute Axiom products in the EU market.  An Axiom liaison for special projects is located in Vancouver.  Please see the Company Information page for more details, or visit the Contact Information page for relevant contact addresses and numbers.