Smart Glove Sensor Layout for Accurate Finger Motion Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in accurately capturing hand movements, particularly finger movements, with a need for improved accuracy while controlling costs in wearable devices like smart gloves.
Innovation Solution
A glove system equipped with first strain sensors at interphalangeal joints for single-degree-of-freedom measurement and second strain sensors at metacarpophalangeal joints for two-degree-of-freedom measurement, combined with inertial sensors at the wrist, to capture hand movements in multiple degrees of freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple strain sensors are arranged at each finger joint to capture movements in multiple degrees of freedom, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the strain sensing function into two distinct sensor types: first strain sensors for single-degree-of-freedom measurement at interphalangeal joints, and second strain sensors for two-degree-of-freedom measurement at metacarpophalangeal joints. This segmentation allows each sensor type to be optimized for its specific measurement task, improving overall measurement precision while managing device complexity through functional specialization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-axis strain sensors to multi-axis strain sensors capable of measuring deformation in multiple degrees of freedom simultaneously. The second strain sensors specifically measure both radial and tangential deformations at metacarpophalangeal joints, adding a dimensional aspect to the measurement capability without requiring separate sensors for each degree of freedom
2Measurement precision
If high-precision multi-degree-of-freedom sensors are used to capture accurate hand movements, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing system into two sensor types with different measurement capabilities matched to different joint requirements. This allows the use of simpler, lower-cost first strain sensors at interphalangeal joints where single-degree-of-freedom measurement suffices, while deploying more complex second strain sensors only at metacarpophalangeal joints where two-degree-of-freedom measurement is necessary, thereby optimizing overall system cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different sensor configurations to different locations based on local measurement requirements. At interphalangeal joints, single-degree-of-freedom sensors are used, while at metacarpophalangeal joints, two-degree-of-freedom sensors are deployed. This local differentiation ensures high measurement precision where needed while avoiding unnecessary complexity and cost at other locations
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 system provides accurate deformation data for hand movements in at least 15 degrees of freedom, reducing sensor count and cost while maintaining high accuracy, enabling gesture recognition and feedback.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of first strain sensors is located at an interphalangeal joint of a finger of the user and is configured to measure deformation of the interphalangeal joint in a single degree of freedom
Implementation Method 2
each of the plurality of second strain sensors is located at a metacarpophalangeal joint of the finger and is configured to measure deformation of the metacarpophalangeal joint in two degrees of freedom
Implementation Method 3
the two inertial sensors are respectively located on two sides of a wrist joint of the user and configured to jointly measure movement of the wrist joint in three degrees of freedom
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A glove system (100), including a glove body (110) and a plurality of first strain sensors (120) and a plurality of second strain sensors (130) arranged on the glove body (110), when a user is wearing the glove body (110), each of the plurality of first strain sensors (120) is located at an interphalangeal joint of a finger of the user and is configured to measure deformation of the interphalangeal joint in a single degree of freedom, and each of the plurality of second strain sensors (130) is located at a metacarpophalangeal joint of the finger and is configured to measure deformation of the metacarpophalangeal joint in two degrees of freedom, the single degree of freedom and the two degrees of freedom both including a degree of freedom corresponding to a bending of the finger.