Forearm Sensor Assembly Using Laser Interferometry for Gesture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor assemblies struggle to determine hand gestures of a user in a simple and accurate manner, particularly when attached to the arm, such as the forearm.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly comprising laser feedback interferometry sensors attached to the arm, specifically the forearm, detects tendon positions to determine hand gestures using a carrier structure and computing unit, which processes tendon pose data to identify complex hand movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser feedback interferometry sensors are used to detect tendon positions for hand gesture determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is segmented into distinct functional modules: laser feedback interferometry sensors for tendon detection, a carrier structure for mounting, and a computing unit for gesture determination. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a carrier structure as an intermediary element that mounts the laser feedback interferometry sensors on the user's arm. This intermediary component simplifies the overall device complexity by providing a standardized interface between the sensors and the user's body, making the system easier to attach and adjust.
2Measurement precision
If multiple laser feedback interferometry sensors are deployed to detect multiple tendon positions, then hand gesture determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle data from multiple laser feedback interferometry sensors simultaneously. It can determine various hand gestures (open hand, closed fist, finger pointing, etc.) from the same sensor array, reducing the need for additional specialized components for each gesture type.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple tendon detection functions are merged into a single integrated sensor assembly worn on the arm. The carrier structure combines multiple sensors and the computing unit into one wearable device, simplifying the user interface while maintaining the capability to detect multiple tendon positions for comprehensive gesture recognition.
3Ease of operation
If the sensor assembly is attached to the forearm to detect tendon movements, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to movement artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier structure is designed to be dynamically adaptable to the user's arm, allowing for comfortable movement while maintaining sensor alignment with the tendons. The computing unit dynamically processes the tendon position data to distinguish between arm movement artifacts and actual hand gestures, maintaining measurement precision during natural user motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser feedback interferometry sensors provide real-time feedback on tendon position, and the computing unit uses this feedback to distinguish between arm movement and hand gesture. By continuously monitoring tendon movements and analyzing the patterns, the system can differentiate between artifacts from arm movement and intentional hand gestures, maintaining measurement precision while allowing ease of operation.
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
Enables accurate and straightforward determination of hand gestures by detecting tendon positions, allowing for the control of virtual or augmented reality content through detected movements.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor assembly comprises at least a first laser feedback interferometry sensor
Implementation Method 2
a first light beam emitted by means of the first laser feedback interferometry sensor is emitted toward the back of the hand or the forearm of the user. The emitted first light beam can thus be reflected by the first tendon in the corresponding pose or position back toward the first laser feedback interferometry sensor
Implementation Method 3
laser feedback interferometry sensors, which are also referred to as laser feedback interferometry sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly to be attached to an arm of a user. The sensor assembly includes a first laser feedback interferometry sensor, a carrier structure, and a first computing unit. The carrier structure is designed to carry the first laser feedback interferometry sensor on the arm of the user such that the first laser feedback interferometry sensor is designed to detect a position of a first tendon of a back of the hand or of the forearm of the user. The first computing unit is designed to determine a hand gesture of the user depending on the detected position of the first tendon of the back of the hand or of the forearm of the user.