Finger Detection Device with Dual-Sensor Segmentation for Occlusion Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing finger detection systems face challenges in accurately detecting finger attitudes due to occlusions and the need for multiple contact sensors, which can be inconvenient for users.

Innovation Solution

A detection device with a first sensor placed between the thumb and index finger and a second sensor on the palm, both detecting depth information of fingers within their respective areas, with a processing unit to calculate and convert finger attitudes, allowing for reliable detection even when fingers are occluded.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single sensor is used for finger detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to finger occlusions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of sensorsVSAvoidfinger attitude detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is divided into multiple sensors positioned at different locations (between thumb and index finger, and on the palm) with different detection areas. This segmentation allows each sensor to capture different portions of the hand, reducing occlusion problems and improving overall detection accuracy without requiring an excessive number of sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by positioning sensors at different locations and orientations. The first sensor is placed between the thumb and index finger while the second sensor is placed on the palm, creating multiple detection planes and angles that enable comprehensive finger attitude detection from different perspectives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple contact sensors are provided for each finger, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to user inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefinger detection accuracyVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces contact sensors with non-contact sensors that detect finger attitudes through optical or electromagnetic fields. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact between sensors and fingers, allowing users to move their fingers freely and hold objects without discomfort while still achieving accurate detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The non-contact sensors are designed to detect multiple fingers simultaneously within their detection areas, making them multi-functional rather than requiring separate sensors for each finger. This universal approach maintains detection accuracy while significantly improving user convenience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12045388B2Finger detection device and method providing increased reliability detecting attitudes of fingers

Publication Date: 2024.07.23 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

Provided are a detection device and a detection method that more reliably detect attitudes of fingers of a user. The detection device of the present disclosure includes: a first sensor that is disposed in a space between a thumb and an index finger and detects first information obtained by sensing a first finger that is a finger included in a first detection area; and a second sensor that is disposed on a palm and detects second information obtained by sensing a second finger that is a finger included in a second detection area.