Hand Posture and Hold Object Recognition Technique for Data Glove Using Conductive Fiber

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K21299
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 1001:Information science, computer engineering, and related fields
• Research Institution: Kobe City College of Technology
• Principal Investigator: Takada Ryosuke 神戸市立工業高等専門学校, その他部局等, 講師 (30909627)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-08-30 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: ウェアラブル / Eテキスタイル / 導電繊維

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This research aims to develop a recognition technology for contact and touch　interactions with the surrounding environment using conductive fibers. The study focuses on two objectives: (1) recognizing pressing and applied pressure by constructing the surrounding environment with conductive fibers, and (2) developing techniques for recognizing contact positions and orientations.
As a result, two achievements were reported at domestic conferences. (1) An array pattern utilizing conductive fibers was printed on a fabric surface, enabling the recognition of touch and touch pressure through the fabricated fabric-based sensor. (2) A fabric device measuring 1 square meter, comprising a conductive array, was employed to recognize the touch interactions. This was accomplished by analyzing the paths of direct current flowing between each row and column of the array, as well as voltage drops, while the user wore conductive clothing equipped with electrical passive elements.

Free Research Field

Human Computer Interaction

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本成果は、安価かつ装着感の良いウェアラブルセンシング技術であるため、靴下やカーペットなどの繊維製品に応用することで屋内位置推定技術はライフログなどの取得や、独居高齢者の見守りへの活用が期待されている。またバーチャルリアリティ向けの入力インタフェースとしての活用も可能である。
また、これまで開発してきた衣類自体の形状変化の計測技術と組み合わせることで、ユーザの立ち位置や向きといったコンテキストおよびユーザ自身の動作を合わせて計測できる。
今回の研究成果で開発した技術は衣類に電源や回路を搭載せず、被接触側のデバイス側にそれらを搭載する実施も可能であり、ユーザの装着感を妨げない特徴を有する．