Finger Proximity Sensors for Submicron Motion Input and Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing finger-mounted electronic devices are often cumbersome, uncomfortable, and provide inadequate feedback, limiting user interaction and control in virtual reality and other electronic systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising finger devices with self-mixing interferometric optical proximity sensors and control circuitry that detect precise finger movements and provide haptic feedback, allowing for sensitive input and output interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional finger-mounted electronic devices are used, then basic input functionality is provided, but the devices are cumbersome and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The finger device is divided into multiple functional segments: a proximal portion with first proximity sensors for detecting finger pad movements, and a distal portion with second proximity sensors for detecting finger tip position. This segmentation allows each portion to specialize in specific sensing functions, improving overall comfort and functionality while reducing the need for bulky integrated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The finger device incorporates multiple types of sensors (first proximity sensors, second proximity sensors, and force sensors) that serve multiple functions: detecting finger pad movements, finger tip position, and applied forces. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate devices into one compact unit, improving comfort without sacrificing capability.
2Reliability
If traditional finger-mounted electronic devices are used, then basic control is provided, but inadequate feedback is given
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors finger movements through multiple proximity sensors and force sensors, providing real-time feedback about finger pad movements, finger tip position, and applied forces. This multi-source feedback mechanism enhances the quality and reliability of input detection, allowing for more precise control while distributing the complexity across specialized sensor components.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical feedback mechanisms are replaced with optical proximity sensors that use light interference patterns to detect finger movements. This substitution provides more reliable and sensitive feedback without the mechanical complexity of moving parts, improving feedback quality while reducing mechanical device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If basic sensors are used in finger devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but precise movement detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the finger device employ different sensor types optimized for their specific functions: the proximal portion uses first proximity sensors for detecting finger pad movements with high precision, while the distal portion uses second proximity sensors for finger tip position detection. This local optimization of sensor quality achieves high measurement precision without requiring every part of the device to have maximum complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in optical parameters (light interference patterns) detected by proximity sensors to measure minute finger movements with submicron precision. By monitoring parameter changes in the optical domain rather than using mechanical displacement sensors, the system achieves high measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple sensor structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user interaction by providing precise control and feedback, improving comfort and usability in virtual reality and other electronic device applications.
Implementation Method 1
A finger device may include one or more proximity sensors that measure a distance to the user's finger. The proximity sensor may be an optical proximity sensor such as a self-mixing interferometric optical proximity sensor having a laser and photodiode.
Implementation Method 2
The proximity sensor may be an optical proximity sensor such as a self-mixing interferometric optical proximity sensor having a laser and photodiode
Implementation Method 3
The self-mixing proximity sensor may also have a light detector such as a photodiode and/or other electromagnetic-radiation-sensitive element
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include one or more finger devices that gather input from a user's fingers. The system may include control circuitry that sends control signals to an electronic device based on the input gathered with the finger devices. A finger device may include one or more proximity sensors that measure a distance to the user's finger. The proximity sensor may be a self-mixing optical proximity sensor having a laser and photodiode. The proximity sensor may have submicron resolution and may be configured to detect very small movements of the finger as finger pad is moved around by a thumb finger, by a surface, and/or by other finger movements. The proximity sensor may measure changes in distance between the proximity sensor and a flexible membrane that rests against a side portion of the user's finger.