Wearable Hand Interface Layout for Minimal Finger Movement Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
The activation of sensor switches via force and contact applied by the hand relative to an object or assembly of objects, while simultaneously holding and re-positioning the hand on the object's surface, requires intense physiological multitasking, necessitating more effort than pushing buttons without holding the object. Worn objects must be the right size and geometric form relative to the user's hand, and hand elements do not scale uniformly, leading to captive posturing during data interface tasks.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device designed to accommodate the human hand, incorporating modular switch sensors, adjustable fingertip positions, and a 2-D optical surface motion sensor, allowing for precise data entry without requiring constant hand re-positioning. The device is customizable with components like speakers, lights, and smart devices, and features a fastening material for balanced weight distribution and constant flush positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the device requires simultaneous holding and data entry operations, then data input capability is improved, but user effort and physiological complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the hand into multiple functional segments (fingers, palm, thumb) with dedicated sensors for each. Each finger can independently activate switches or generate gestures, allowing data entry operations to be segmented across different body parts rather than requiring concentrated effort from the entire hand
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multi-dimensional input methods beyond simple button pressing. It incorporates 3D gestures, finger positioning in space, and combinations of finger movements that add spatial dimensions to data entry, reducing the physiological effort required compared to traditional 2D keyboard input
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed to accommodate various hand sizes and geometries, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that can adapt to different hand geometries. Sensors and structural elements can be repositioned or reconfigured to match the user's specific hand measurements, allowing a single device design to accommodate various hand sizes without requiring multiple fixed-size variants
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable parameters such as sensor sensitivity, switch activation thresholds, and structural dimensions that can be modified to suit different users. These parameter changes allow the device to adapt to various hand sizes and geometries while maintaining a relatively simple base structure
3Measurement precision
If the device requires precise fingertip positioning for data entry, then measurement precision is improved, but captive posturing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses the user's natural hand movements and anatomical structures to achieve precise positioning. Rather than requiring the user to consciously maintain rigid postures, the sensor system detects and utilizes the hand's natural resting positions and movements, allowing accurate data entry without captive posturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information about fingertip positioning and hand posture. This feedback allows the system to adjust for natural movements and maintain measurement precision without requiring the user to maintain fixed, restrictive postures throughout the data entry process
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 efficient data entry and interaction with minimal hand re-posturing, allowing users to operate multiple switch combinations with negligible re-positioning, while accommodating various hand sizes and geometries through adjustable components and integrated smart devices.
Implementation Method 1
A 2-D optical surface motion sensor typically used as the underside sensor of a computer mouse may be integrated into the central underside of the present invention
Data Source
AI summary
Methods were formulated and applied to create and use a wearable hand interface device that is physically and digitally sculpted to accommodate the geometry of the human palm in a resting position while requiring minimal movement on behalf of the user. Comfortable harnessing material spans over the top of the hand. Structures which may be rigid or adjustable place input contact surfaces directly underneath and slightly above each fingertip of a user so that only a slight twitch of the fingers is needed to operate the device The precisely sculpted palm receiving surface and placement of contact surfaces in the natural curl path of the fingers ensures the hand does not move around during use. Refreshable braille cells may be mounted at the user's fingertips if desired. The nature of this device allows its user to activate sensor switches in a wide range of hand positions.