Finger-gesture Recognition Glove using Velostat (ICCAS 2011)

There are many researches into sign language translation by finger-gesture recognition. Recognition technic of finger alphabet can be a substitute for the deaf that are unable to use sound recognition devices instead of computer input devices. This paper is about the development of the finger-gesture recognition glove that recognizes sign language with a use of inexpensive and conductive materials. This material is called by `Velostat', made of a film surfaced with carbon particles, used for anti-static package of electronic parts. Its resistance varies according to the strain of the film. So, we made a glove using Velostat and designed electronic circuits that have voltage on circuit, A/D converter, microcomputer, Bluetooth module and 5-DoF IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). It can measure the five fingers' bending angle from voltage divided circuit with Velostat glove and calculate the hand motion angle from 5-DoF IMU.