Measurement and modeling of pinching, a precise tactile motion performed by the index finger and thumb

2024 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K12104
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 61010:Perceptual information processing-related
• Research Institution: Kindai University
• Principal Investigator: Ikeda Atsutoshi 近畿大学, 理工学部, 准教授 (20609903)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2025-03-31
• Keywords: 触覚 / スキル評価 / 生体計測 / つまみ動作 / 指先

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The objective of this study was to develop a system that facilitates the measurement and analysis of tactile actions executed by pinching with the fingertips.
In the first year, a novel fingertip deformation measurement device was developed for the assessment of pinching tactile actions. In the second year, the design of the measurement and fixation components of the fingertip deformation measurement device was optimized, and research was promoted with the objective of enhancing the accuracy of fingertip force estimation using a transfer function model. In the final year of the study, the fingertip force was measured during the process of creating fishing tackle. The differences in movements and fingertip force between skilled and novice individuals were then analyzed.
The capacity to quantitatively assess and model tactile actions, particularly pinching movements, has been demonstrated in the context of skilled individuals' work.

Free Research Field

生体計測

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、日常生活や熟練作業に不可欠な「つまみ触動作」に注目し、指先の皮膚感覚と接触状態を同時に計測・解析する技術を開発するものである。学術的には、触覚受容の詳細な仕組みや個人差の要因を明らかにすることで、ヒトの触知覚メカニズムの解明に貢献する。社会的には、美容師や職人などの熟練技能の構造化やアーカイブを可能とし、技術継承やリハビリ支援、触覚提示デバイス開発など多方面への応用が期待される。