Wearable Body Percussion Sensors Gesture Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable electronic instruments cannot effectively distinguish between different body percussion gestures such as finger clicks, thumps, claps, and chest slaps, which limits their functionality in generating distinct sounds.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors attached to specific locations on the hand, including the palm and wrist, that send impact information to determine the type of gesture performed, using a combination of contact and pressure sensors, and movement sensing to differentiate between gestures like finger clicks, thumps, claps, and chest slaps, with a determining means to map these signals to corresponding audio samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensor is used to detect body percussion gestures, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to distinguish different gestures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hand into multiple detection zones with sensors positioned at specific locations (palm, fingers, wrist). Each sensor detects impacts at its specific location, and the determining means segments the gesture recognition task by analyzing which specific sensors are triggered to identify different gesture types (finger click, thump, chest slap, hand clap).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimension to gesture detection by positioning sensors at different anatomical locations on the hand. The determining means uses the spatial distribution pattern of triggered sensors (which sensors are activated and their relative positions) to distinguish between different gesture types, transforming a single-dimension detection into multi-dimensional spatial analysis.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned at multiple locations on the hand, then gesture distinction accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns specific functional roles to sensors based on their local positions on the hand. Each sensor location (palm, finger, wrist) is optimized to detect specific gesture components, and the determining means uses these localized detection capabilities to accurately identify gesture types based on the specific pattern of activated sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The determining means serves multiple functions: it receives signals from multiple sensors, identifies which sensors are triggered, determines gesture types based on sensor patterns, and maps gestures to audio samples. This multi-functional approach consolidates the complexity into a single processing unit rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are attached to finger parts, then finger click detection is improved, but detection of other gestures (thump, chest slap) is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hand into multiple detection zones including palm, fingers, and wrist, with sensors positioned at each zone. This segmentation allows the system to detect finger clicks through finger-mounted sensors while simultaneously detecting thumps through palm/wrist sensors and chest slaps through palm sensors, enabling comprehensive gesture coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends detection from the single dimension of finger tip impact to multiple dimensions by adding sensors at different anatomical levels (fingers, palm, wrist). The determining means analyzes the vertical and horizontal distribution of triggered sensors to distinguish between gestures that may impact the same general area, enhancing both precision and versatility.
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 identification and differentiation of various body percussion gestures, allowing for the generation of distinct sounds and enabling users to perform complex rhythms with precision.
Implementation Method 1
Any one, more or all of the sensors may be contact microphone sensors or pressure sensors
Implementation Method 2
The movement sensing means may be configured to generate movement information in response to angular movement of the wrist relative to a predetermined initial position
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for an electronic percussion system is provided, comprising: a plurality of sensors (12, 14, 16, 18); attaching means (10) for attaching the sensors to the hand and locating the sensors each at a respective predetermined location thereon, wherein each of the sensors is configured to send information for receipt by a determining means in response to impact of the sensor on a contact surface, wherein the attaching means and the sensors are together configured so that such information enables the determining means to distinguish each of the gestures from each other of the gestures. Each predetermined gesture is mapped to a respective sample, and performing of the gesture causes playing of the respective sample. The gestures may include a finger clicking action, a chest slap and a hand clap. There is also provided a related method of determining a percussion gesture.