KinInterface: Skin-based Smart Watch Human Interface

For smart watch like wearable devices, due to the smaller area of ​​the touch screen, so greatly increasing the difficulty of the user using finger and watch the system interact. So, we want to improve the interactive experience effect smartwatch choice more easy to operate man-machine interactive interface, will become the technology industry to chase the target.

IntelligentThings to introduce today is developed by Carnegie Mellon University SkinInterface technology, which allows users to use the skin near the back of the hand or arm on the watch, a new human-computer interaction interfaces. So small relative to the previous touch screen, smart watches will definitely improve operability, improve the user experience.

Before, IntelligentThings introduced two similar, can be applied in human-computer interaction intelligent wearable technology device. One is, University of Sussex developed ultrasonic technology, another is from the University of Washington developed sonar technology FingerIO.

The former, by ultrasonic wave generator on the back of the hand, sending ultrasonic touch signal detection palm produce human-computer interaction.

The latter, it is a smartphone original speaker and microphone, transmitting voice signals and track the finger echo, and thus to analyze the finger trajectory and complete interaction between intelligent devices.

SkinInterface technical principles introduced

SkinInterface, using the human body as an electrical waveguide device to continuously monitor the movement of the skin on the finger technique. It is for smart watch, is a wearable, low-cost technology solutions. It uses skin smart watch next to watch the extended area of ​​the user and interaction.

The program even in the case of skin covered by clothing, can also work well.

The system consists of two parts, one part is loaded electrode strap, and the other part of the means for transmitting high frequency signals.

The system can fully continuous tracking finger on the position and motion of the skin condition. When the finger touches the skin, it will produce a high-frequency signal, and transmits the user’s arm.

Finger distance wristband two electronic sensors to different, so the ring finger relative to the sensor, there will produce different phase values.

Why this matters: SkinTrack is not alone in its attempt to improve input on small wearable displays. Aside from the Apple Watch’s Digital Crown and the Samsung Gear S2’s twistable bezel, one startup is working on a wristband that senses finger movements, while Microsoft has patented smart rings that detect air gestures. Google’s own Android Wear watches detect wrist gestures already, and the company has also shown off touch-sensitive garments and finger gestures detected by radar. Sooner or later, someone’s going to get it right in a way that can be commercialized.