Wrist-Mounted Finger Motion Detection via Carpal Tunnel Tendon Displacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing finger-motion detection technologies require devices to be attached to the palm or fingers, limiting user convenience and daily activities.
Innovation Solution
A finger-motion detecting apparatus and method that uses a sensing unit on the wrist to measure changes in the carpal tunnel, where finger flexor tendons are located, employing optical or ultrasonic waves to detect finger motion, with optional acceleration or gyro sensors to determine hand gestures, allowing for hands-free computer control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a device is attached to the palm or fingers to detect finger motion, then finger motion detection accuracy is improved, but user convenience and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses tendons in the wrist as an intermediary element to detect finger motion. Instead of placing sensors directly on fingers, the system detects tendon movement in the wrist which indirectly reflects finger motion, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while improving user convenience by eliminating the need for devices on palms or fingers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact sensors on fingers with an optical or ultrasonic wave-based detection system that measures tendon displacement in the wrist. This substitution of mechanical detection with wave-based measurement enables non-contact, more comfortable monitoring while preserving motion detection capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors (acceleration sensor, gyro sensor) are added to detect hand gestures, then gesture recognition capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the wrist-mounted device multi-functional by integrating both finger motion detection (via tendon displacement measurement) and hand gesture detection (via acceleration and gyro sensors). This single device performs multiple functions - detecting both fine finger movements and broader hand gestures - thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines different sensing modalities (optical/ultrasonic wave sensing for finger motion, acceleration sensing for hand motion, gyro sensing for orientation) into a unified wrist-mounted system. By merging these sensing capabilities in one location, the system achieves comprehensive motion detection while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices
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 convenient and accurate detection of finger motion without the need for separate motion sensors, facilitating hands-free interaction with computers and other devices.
Implementation Method 1
detects finger motion by measuring, as a reflected signal of a measurement signal, a change in the carpal tunnel of a wrist
Implementation Method 2
detects finger motion by measuring, as a reflected signal of a measurement signal, a change in the carpal tunnel of a wrist
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a finger-motion detecting apparatus and method and includes a sensing unit to be disposed on a wrist of a subject person, said sensing unit being configured to output a measurement signal into the wrist of the subject person and to receive a reflected signal of the measurement signal according to the motion of tendons in the wrist of the subject person, a signal control unit configured to control whether the measurement signal is outputted and to adjust the measurement signal on the basis of the reflected signal, and a finger-motion recognizing unit configured to detect finger motion of the subject person from the reflected signal. According to the present invention, since a sensor capable of detecting finger motion is worn on a wrist, the problem of inconvenience in existing methods is resolved.