Smartphone Finger Tapping Measurement Without Dedicated Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for measuring finger tapping motion, such as those using magnetic sensors, require expensive dedicated apparatuses, making it difficult to measure and evaluate this motion at a low cost.
Innovation Solution
A finger tapping measurement processing terminal utilizing a touch panel and a finger detector, such as a smartphone or tablet, that measures finger tapping motion without the need for special dedicated instruments, using existing components like cameras and distance measuring sensors, and processes the results with a processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic sensors and dedicated apparatuses are used to measure finger tapping motion, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic sensors and dedicated measurement apparatuses with a smartphone's built-in camera and processing capabilities. The camera captures finger tapping motions through optical means, and the smartphone's processor analyzes the motion data, substituting complex mechanical and magnetic measurement systems with a consumer electronic device's existing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the smartphone's camera and processor, which are designed for general-purpose functions like photography and computing, and repurposes them for specialized finger tapping motion measurement. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated measurement apparatuses while maintaining measurement capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If magnetic sensors and dedicated apparatuses are used to measure finger tapping motion, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive magnetic sensors and dedicated measurement apparatuses with a smartphone's built-in camera and processing capabilities. The camera captures finger tapping motions through optical means, and the smartphone's processor analyzes the motion data, substituting complex mechanical and magnetic measurement systems with a consumer electronic device's existing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the smartphone's camera to create visual copies (images and videos) of the finger tapping motion, which are then analyzed to extract measurement data. This optical copying approach replaces direct physical measurement with magnetic sensors, significantly reducing cost while maintaining measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If simple screening tests are performed, then user burden is reduced, but measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex magnetic sensor-based measurement systems with a simple smartphone camera-based system. The user simply performs finger tapping motions that are captured by the camera, eliminating the need for specialized equipment attachment while maintaining measurement precision through automated image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The smartphone's existing camera and processing capabilities perform the measurement function automatically without requiring external dedicated apparatuses. The device serves itself by utilizing its built-in components for both data capture and analysis, simplifying the user experience while maintaining precision.
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 cost-effective measurement and evaluation of finger tapping motion, facilitating early detection of conditions like Alzheimer's dementia and other cognitive disorders, with minimal user burden.
Implementation Method 1
a camera 101 that captures an image of the finger performing the tapping motion
Implementation Method 2
a distance measuring sensor 102 that measures a distance to the finger
Implementation Method 3
a touch panel 103 that is tapped by one finger of the same hand as the finger supporting the other surface of the terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A finger tapping measurement processing terminal that measures a finger tapping motion and processes a measurement result includes: a touch panel that is provided on one surface of a terminal, is capable of displaying information related to the finger tapping motion, and is tapped by one of two fingers of a same hand of a user who holds the terminal; finger detectors that detect a motion of one finger tapping the touch panel; and a processor that performs processing of measuring a two-finger distance during a finger tapping motion between the other of the two fingers holding another surface of the terminal located on an opposite side of the touch panel and the one finger tapping the touch panel based on detection information obtained by the finger detectors.