Ring Finger Sensor Detecting Posture via Electromagnetic Fields
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information input devices, such as those using Piezo electric sensors attached to fingers or wristwatch-type devices, cause physical and mental strain due to cumbersome attachment and are unable to detect small changes in finger posture effectively.
Innovation Solution
An information input device with ring-shaped applying and receiving elements, a signal generating element, and a signal extracting element that transmits and processes waveform signals to detect small bending and stretching motions of the finger, allowing for easy wear and accurate detection of finger posture changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a Piezo sensor is attached to the finger to detect finger motion, then the detection capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome attachment and physical strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical Piezo sensor attachment system with an electromagnetic field-based detection system. Ring-shaped electrodes generate electromagnetic fields that interact with the finger's tissue, detecting motion through changes in electrical impedance or capacitance without requiring physical sensor attachment to the finger surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the detection device and the finger. The ring-shaped electrodes create electromagnetic fields that penetrate the finger tissue, allowing motion detection through field interactions rather than direct mechanical contact, thus eliminating the need for cumbersome sensor attachment.
2Ease of operation
If a wristwatch-type device is used to detect upper extremity motion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates because small changes in finger posture cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function by placing ring-shaped electrodes directly on the finger rather than using a single wristwatch-type device. This segmentation allows localized detection of finger posture changes, capturing small motions at the source while maintaining the ease of wear through a simple ring structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the detection capability at the finger level where small posture changes occur, rather than relying on gross wrist motion detection. The ring-shaped electrodes are positioned to detect local electromagnetic field changes caused by finger motion, providing high measurement precision for subtle gestures.
3Measurement precision
If ring-shaped electrodes are used to detect finger motion, then the measurement precision is improved for small posture changes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring-shaped electrode structure serves multiple functions: it generates electromagnetic fields, detects tissue impedance changes, and maintains comfortable wearability. This universal design eliminates the need for separate mechanical attachment components, reducing overall device complexity while achieving high measurement precision for finger posture detection.
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
The device reduces user strain and enables accurate detection of small finger posture changes, increasing the types of operation information that can be input into information processing devices.
Implementation Method 1
a signal generating element generating and transmitting a waveform signal to the applying element so that the applying element outputs a measurement signal
Implementation Method 2
an electro-static coupling generated between a transmission electrode and an adjacent reception electrode is changed with a gap between these electrodes and the wrist
Data Source
AI summary
An information input device includes: an applying element having a ring shape so that an finger of a user is inserted into the applying element; a receiving element having a ring shape so that an finger of a user is inserted into the receiving element and disposed adjacent to the applying element in an extending direction of a center line of the applying element; a signal generating element generating and transmitting a waveform signal to the apply element so that the applying element outputs a measurement signal; and a signal extracting element extracting a signal relating to a posture of the finger from a reception signal, which is output from the receiving element based on the measurement signal received by the receiving element.