WO1998050839A2

WO1998050839A2 - System for data management based on hand gestures

Info

Publication number: WO1998050839A2
Application number: PCT/US1998/008450
Authority: WO
Original assignee: Modern Cartoons, Ltd.
Priority date: 1997-04-23
Filing date: 1998-04-23
Publication date: 1998-11-12
Also published as: US6049327A; US6452584B1; WO1998050839A3

Abstract

A system is provided for manipulating computer generated animation in real time, such as a virtual reality program running on a computer. The system includes a data gloves (12) for managing data based on an operator's hand gestures. The data gloves comprises an elastic material that closely matches the shape of a wearer's hand (14), enabling the wearer to move their hand freely. A movement sensing unit (30) is provided for sensing any hand gestures of the wearer. The movement sensing unit comprises a flexible circuit board (32) that extends along the dorsal region (24) of the wearer's fingers and hand. A signal processor (38) receives signals generated by a plurality of movement sensors (36) and determines movements of the wearer's hand. The sensors have a resistive material disposed on each side thereof, so that any flexure of the sensor causes the resistance values to diverge. The resistance values on each side of the sensor diverge to a value corresponding to the degree of flexure of the sensor.

Description

SYSTEM FOR DATA MANAGEMENT BASED ON HAND GESTURES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to data

entry and manipulation devices for computers, and more

particularly, to a data management system for a

computer that manages data based on the hand gestures

of an operator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Virtual reality systems are computer based systems

that provide the experience of acting in a simulated

environment that forms a three dimensional virtual

world. These systems are used in several different

applications such as commercial flight simulators and

entertainment systems including computer games and

video arcade games. In virtual reality systems a

participant typically wears a head-mounted device that

enables viewing of a virtual reality world generated by

the computer. The system also includes a data entry

and manipulation device, such as a pointing device or a specially configured data glove containing sensors and

actuators, for interacting with objects in the virtual

world. In somewhat sophisticated systems, a full body

suit, also containing sensors and actuators,

additionally may be provided so that the user can

influence and has a realistic feel of objects in the

virtual world.

Data entry and manipulation devices for computers,

including virtual reality systems, include keyboards,

digitizers, computer mice, joysticks, and light pens.

One function of these devices, and particularly

computer mice and light pens, is to position a cursor

on a display screen of a monitor connected to the

computer and cause the computer to perform a set of

operations, such as invoking a program, which

operations are indicated by the location of the cursor

on the screen. Once the cursor is at the desired

location, buttons on either the mouse or keyboard are

depressed to perform the instruction set. However,

over time this may become somewhat tedious, since the

user must transfer one of their hands from the keyboard

to the mouse, move the mouse cursor to the desired location on the screen, then either actuate a button on

the mouse, or transfer their hand back to the keyboard

and depress buttons to invoke the program.

Alternative means for data entry and manipulation

into computers have been provided in the prior art .

One increasingly prevalent data entry device comprises

a data entry and data manipulation glove, commonly

known as "data gloves" and "virtual reality gloves".

Data gloves are currently used in several virtual

reality related applications ranging from virtual

reality entertainment and education systems to medical

rehabilitation applications. In a virtual reality

system, the data glove is provided to enable the

operator to touch and feel objects on a virtual screen

and to manipulate the objects.

U.S. Patent No. 4,988,981, to Zimmerman et al

discloses an apparatus and method for generating

control signals for manipulating virtual objects in a

computer system according to gestures and positions of

an operator's hand or other body part. The apparatus

includes a glove worn on the hand which includes sensors for detecting the gestures of the hand. The

computer system includes circuitry connected to receive

gesture signals and hand position signals for

generating control signals. The control signals are

used to manipulate a graphical representation of the

operator's hand which is displayed on a monitor coupled

to the computer system. The graphical representations

of the operator's hand manipulates virtual objects or

tools also displayed by the computer.

U.S. Patent No. 5,097,252, to Harvill et al . ,

discloses a motion sensor which produces an

asymmetrical signal in response to symmetrical

movement. In a first embodiment, a plurality of motion

sensors are placed over the joints of a hand, with each

sensor comprising an optical fiber disposed between a

light source and a light sensor. An upper portion of

the fiber is treated so that transmission loss of light

being communicated through the optical fiber is

increased only when the fiber bends in one direction.

In another Harvill embodiment, a flexible tube is

disposed in close proximity to a finger joint and bends

in response to bending of the finger. A light source and light sensor on opposite ends of the tube

continuously indicate the extent that the tube is bent.

U.S. Patent No. 5,429,140, to Burdea et al . , is

directed to an integrated virtual reality

rehabilitation system that employs a force feedback

system, such as a force feedback glove to simulate

virtual deformable objects. A patient places his or

her hand in a sensing glove that measures the force

exerted by the patient. Information from the sensing

glove is received by an interface and transmitted to a

computer where the information can be used to diagnose

the patient's manual capability.

The computer then generates rehabilitation control

signals for the force feedback glove. The patient

places his or her hand in the force feedback glove and

attempts to bring the digits together as though

grasping the virtual object. The force feedback glove

resists the squeezing movement of the digits in a

manner that simulates the tactile feel of the virtual

object. The force exerted by the fingers of the

patient is fed back to the computer control system, where it can be recorded or used to modify

rehabilitation control signals.

U.S. Patent No. 5,612,689, to Lee Jr., discloses a

finger articulation controlled information generating

system. The Lee system includes a plurality of finger

articulation units that individually mount on finger

and thumb nails and together, by selected up and down

movement of the finger and thumbs, serve as an

alternate to a keyboard or other computer interface.

Vertical up and down movements of any single one of the

ten fingers and various combinations of the fingers is

translated into a range of signals recognizable as

alpha-numeric numbers, digital signaling, word and

picture forms, or other symbol forms a user may choose.

However, a disadvantage common to the above noted

data gloves is that the gloves are substantially

difficult and expensive to manufacture. Difficultly of

manufacture is due to the plurality of discrete

movement monitoring devices provided with the glove for

sensing the hand gestures of the wearer. These devices

include light emitting sources and appropriate sensing devices. Complex circuitry is needed for the light

emitters and coupled sensors and to generate movement

indicating control signals.

A further disadvantage of these data gloves is

that the movement monitoring devices have to poor

longevity and are prone to reliability problems.

Another disadvantage of these movement monitoring

devices is that they may not sufficiently track the

hand gestures of the wearer. The sensors may generate

signals that are not an accurate representation of the

wearer's hand gestures causing erroneous data to be

generated. Furthermore, the plurality of sensors

located about on the periphery of the gloves, and

particularly on the wearer's joints, may substantially

inhibit the wearer from moving their hand freely.

Computer generated animation is programmed within

the computer to form a cartoon or other animation prior

to the animation being run for display. This is

similar to a draftsman drawing cells in a cartoon

strip. A disadvantage is that it is not possible for a

person to have interaction with the computer animation while the animation is being developed or displayed.

It would be advantageous to provide a system for

interacting with computer animation in "real time";

i.e., wherein a person can interact with the animation

while the animation is running.

Thus, there exists a need for a system for

manipulating computer generated animation in real time

that includes a data management device for a computer

which manages data based on hand gestures of an

operator.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention

to provide a system for manipulating computer generated

animation in real time;

It is another object of the present invention to

provide a system for manipulating computer generated

animation in real time that includes a data management

device which manages data based on the hand gestures of

an operator; It is a further object of the present invention to

provide a system for manipulating computer generated

animation in real time that includes a data management

device which manages data based on the hand gestures of

an operator that provides ease of manufacture thereof;

It is still another object of the present

invention to provide a system for manipulating computer

generated animation in real time which includes a data

management device that manages data based on the hand

gestures of an operator that accurately tracks the

movements of the operator's hand;

It is yet a further object of the present

invention to provide a system for manipulating computer

generated animation in real time which includes a data

management device that manages data based on the hand

gestures of an operator that does not prevent the

operator from moving there hand freely about ; and

It is another object of the present invention to

provide a system for manipulating computer generated

animation in real time that includes a data management device which manages data based on the hand gestures of

an operator that can be used repeatedly without causing

harm thereto .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects and advantages of the

present invention are achieved by providing a system

for manipulating computer generated animation, such as

a virtual reality program running on a computer. The

present invention operated in real time and includes a

data management device which manages data based on an

operator's hand gestures. The preferred embodiment of

the invented data management device comprises a data

glove that provides data entry into a computer and data

manipulation. The data is used to manipulate objects

in the virtual reality program based upon the

operator's hand gestures and positioning.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention

includes a glove worn on a wearer's hand, a computer

for processing data control signals output from the

glove, and a data cable coupling the glove to the computer for data transfer. Data generated from the

control signals output from the glove is transmitted to

the computer for processing in real time. The data is

continuously processed so that an object in the virtual

environment displayed on the computer (such as the

hands of a cartoon figure or other desired object) can

be manipulated in real time while the program is

running.

The glove of the preferred embodiment of the

present invention is made from an elastic material that

closely matches the shape of a wearer's hand while

still enabling the wearer to move their hand freely.

The elastic material is preferably breathable for

providing a glove that is comfortable for the wearer.

The glove is configured with an aperture that extends

over a dorsal region of the wearer's hand and along the

dorsal region of each of their fingers.

A movement sensing unit senses any movements of

the wearer's hand. The sensing unit is retained in the

aperture of the data glove. Securing the sensing unit

within the aperture prevents the unit from contacting the wearer and from being positioned externally on the

glove, which can substantially limit the wearer's

freedom of movement and may expose the unit to damage.

In the preferred embodiment of the present

invention, the sensing unit comprises a flexible

circuit board configured to extend along the dorsal

region of the wearer's fingers and hand. The circuit

board includes a base region and a plurality of

movement sensors. The base region is provided with

signal processing means for processing signals

generated by the movement sensors. The processing

means multiplexes the signals and then transmits the

multiplexed signals to the computer via the data cable.

The movement sensors include a plurality of

elongated portions of the flexible circuit board that

extend outwardly from the base region. In the

preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sensor

is provided for sensing movement in each of the

wearer's fingers and thumb. Additional sensors are

also provided for sensing the web areas between the

wearer's index and middle fingers, and the thumb and index finger. In the preferred embodiment, an even

further sensor is provided for sensing the dorsal

region of the wearer's hand between the index finger

and thumb .

Each of the sensors transmits signals to the

processing means so that each of the regions are

simultaneously monitored for determining any movement

of the wearer's hand. Any movement of the wearer's

hand is then transmitted to the computer in real time

for manipulating a program running on the computer.

In the preferred embodiment of the present

invention, each of the sensors has a resistive material

disposed on each side, with each side of the sensor

having a similar initial resistance value. Any flexure

of the sensor causes the resistance values thereof to

diverge in a linear manner. When the resistance value

on one side of the circuit board/sensor decreases, the

resistance level on the other side simultaneously

increases. The resistance values on each side of the

sensor diverge to a value corresponding to the degree

of flexure of the sensor. In the preferred embodiment of the present

invention, a different voltage level is applied to each

side of a sensor to establish a voltage differential

between the two sides and an initial voltage potential

on the sensor. Preferably, a negative voltage is

applied to one side of the sensor and a corresponding

positive voltage is applied to the other side of the

sensor. Any flexure of the sensor causes the

resistance value on each side thereof to change. The

change in resistance corresponds to a change in the

initial voltage potential on the sensor to another

voltage level (i.e., the voltage potential going more

positive or more negative) to indicate that the sensor

has been flexed and the degree of flexure.

For example, when a wearer bends their fingers and

thumb, the circuit board is flexed. The resistance

value on one side of the board decreases to a value

determined by the degree of flexure of the board, while

the resistance level on the other side simultaneously

increases to a value also determined by the degree of

flexure. The resistance values of the two sides change

linearly, and causes the initial voltage potential of the sensor to change to a voltage potential

representative of the resistance values.

Thus, varying the voltage potential of each of the

sensors provides a facile system for measuring the

extent that the sensors are flexed and determining the

various positions of each of the sensors. Further, if

the degree of flexure of any one of the sensors is

maintained, the resistance values remain constant. The

voltage differential also remains constant and

indicates that the position of the sensor is being

maintained.

The movement sensors of the data glove of the

preferred embodiment continuously generate data

representative of the actual positions and gestures of

the wearer's hand. This allows the processing means to

transmit data representative of the wearer's hand

gestures to the computer.

Further, the data glove of the preferred

embodiment of the present invention is provided with

flexible conductors extending through the circuit board from the movement sensors to the processing means for

transmitting signals therebetween. The conductors used

by the preferred embodiment are well suited for

repeated bending and enhance the longevity of the data

glove. The conductors are preferably a balanced copper

having a selected thickness that enable the conductors

to be repeatedly flexed without causing excessive

strain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features, organizations,

advantages and objects of this invention will be fully

understood from the following detailed description and

the accompanying drawings . Each of the drawings

contained herein are not considered to be accurate

depictions of the embodiments of the invention, but are

provided for illustrative purposes only and are to be

interpreted in conjunction with the attached

specification.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of

a data management device for manipulating objects in a computer generated animation in real time, shown

partiality in cross-section;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational, cross-sectional view

of the preferred embodiment of the invented data

management device;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a flexible circuit board

of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the flexible circuit

board of the preferred embodiment showing locations of

sensor electrodes thereon; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing of the

flexible circuit board of the preferred embodiment .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is provided to enable

any person skilled in the art to make and use the

invention and sets forth the best modes presently

contemplated by the inventors of carrying out their invention. Various modifications, however, will remain

readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the

generic principles of the present invention have been

defined herein.

Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 of the

drawings, there is shown, generally at 10, a preferred

embodiment of a system for manipulating a computer

generated animation in real time which is constructed

according to the principles of the present invention.

The preferred embodiment includes a data glove 10

having a glove portion 12 configured to be worn on a

wearer's hand 14, a computer 16 for processing data

control signals generated by the data glove 10, and a

data cable 18 coupling the data glove 10 to the

computer 16 for data transfer therebetween. Data

generated from the processed control signals is

transmitted to the computer 16 for processing in real

time. The data is continuously processed so that an

object in a virtual reality program, or other

appropriate program or application which is running on

the computer 10 is manipulated in real time while the

program is running. The glove portion 12 of the data glove 10 of the

preferred embodiment of the present invention is

constructed from an elastic material closely matching

the shape of the wearer's hand 14, while enabling the

wearer to move their hand 14 freely. Additionally, the

elastic material is preferably breathable which is

comfortable for the wearer. The glove portion 12 is

configured with an aperture 20 that extends over a

dorsal region 22 of the wearer's hand 14 and along a

dorsal region 24 of each of their fingers 26 and thumb

28. Suitable textiles for fabricating the glove

portion 12 include spandex and super-spandex.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a movement sensing

unit 30 is provided for sensing any movements of the

wearer's hand 14, such as any movement of the fingers

26, thumb 28, or hand 14 itself. The sensing unit 30

is preferably retained in the aperture 20 of the glove

12, for sensing any hand gestures of the wearer.

Securing the sensing unit 30 within the aperture 20

prevents the unit 30 from contacting the hand 14 and

from being positioned externally on the data glove 10 which can substantially limit the wearer's freedom of

movement and may expose the unit 30 to damage.

In the preferred embodiment of the present

invention 10, the sensing unit 30 comprises a flexible

circuit board 32 that is configured to extend along the

dorsal region 24 of the wearer's fingers 26, thumb 28

and hand 14. The circuit board 32 includes a base

region 34 and a plurality of movement sensor electrodes

36. The base region 34 is provided with signal

processing means 38 for processing received signals

generated by the sensors 36. The processing means 38

may comprise commercially available integrated circuit

semiconductor devices such as multiplexers and

demultiplexers for processing the signals generated by

the sensors 36, and generating data indicative of the

movements of the sensors 36; i.e., the hand gestures of

the wearer. Once the signals are processed, the data

is transmitted to the computer 16 via the data cable 18

for manipulating the program running on the computer

16. The movement sensors 36 include a plurality of

elongated portions of the flexible circuit board 32

that extend outwardly from the base region 34. In the

preferred embodiment of the present invention 10, a

sensor 36 is provided for sensing movement in each of

the wearer's fingers 26 and thumb 28, with additional

sensors provided for sensing additional regions of the

wearer's hand 14. Preferably, a first sensor 36A is

provided to sense movements of the little finger 26A, a

second sensor 36B senses the ring finger 26B, a third

sensor 36C senses the middle finger 26C, a fourth

sensor 36D senses movement of the index finger 26D, and

a fifth sensor 36E is provided to sense the thumb 28.

Additionally, an extension and flexion sensor 36F

may be provided for sensing movement in a web area 40

between the index finger 26D and middle finger 26C, and

a thumb extension sensor 36G provided for sensing a web

area 42 between the wearer's index finger 26D and thumb

28. If desired, a further sensor 36H, referred to as a

thumb roll sensor, may be provided for sensing movement

of a dorsal region 44 of the hand 14 that extends generally between the base of the index finger 26D to

the base of the thumb 28.

Each of the fingers 26, thumb 28, and hand regions

40, 42, 44 are simultaneously monitored for determining

any movement of the wearer's hand 14. Any movement of

the fingers 26, thumb 28, or hand 14, causes some

degree of flexure of one or more of the sensors 36,

causing the appropriate sensors 36 to transmit signals

to the processing means 38 for transmitting

representative data to the computer 16. Thus, any

movement of the hand 14, indicating hand gestures

thereby, is transmitted to the computer 16 in real time

for manipulating a program running on the computer 16

such as manipulating an object in a virtual reality

program running on the computer.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the flexible circuit board

32 comprising the sensing unit 30 is constructed in a

known laminar configuration. Preferably, electronic

sensor conductors 46 comprise an innermost lamina of

the circuit board 32. The sensor conductors 46 extend

from a distal end 47 of each of the sensors 36 to the base region 34 and couple the sensors 36 to the

processing means 38 for transmitting signals generated

by flexure thereof. The conductors 46 are preferably

centered along the length of each of the sensors 36 for

balancing the conductor 46. Balancing the conductor 46

along the length of the sensors 36 substantially

increases the number of flexures that the conductors 46

can endure without causing harm thereto.

Additionally, the conductors 46 of the preferred

embodiment comprise a ductile material, preferably

copper, that may be flexed repeatedly without damaging

the conductor 46. The copper conductors 46 extending

along the sensors 36 preferably comprise one ounce

copper wherein there is once ounce of copper disposed

on one square foot of circuit board, as is known in the

art .

The sensor conductors 46 are interposed between a

pair of sensor insulating lamina 48. The insulating

lamina 48 preferably comprises a suitable flexible

insulating material, such as kapton for example, for

enabling repeated flexure of the sensors 36. A suitable adhesive 50, such as a pliant epoxy

adhesive, is interposed between the insulating lamina

48 and sensor conductor 46 for bonding the conductor 46

to the insulating lamina 48. In the preferred

embodiment, each insulating lamina 48 is approximately

0.003 inch thick for providing a sensor electrode 36

that is at least approximately 0.010 inch thick. The

preferred minimum thickness of the sensors 36 provides

a sensor 36 that is sufficiently pliant so that the

sensors 36 do not restrict movement of the hand 14,

while being sufficiently robust to withstand continued

flexure thereof. A single conductor 46 interposed

between a pair of insulators 48 in the laminar

construction of the sensors 36, provides enhanced

longevity and reliability of the invented movement

sensing unit 30.

The base region 34 is formed on the lamina 46, 48

comprising the sensors 36 and further includes a

plurality of signal conductors 52 for coupling the

sensor conductors 46 to the processing means 38. The

conductors 52 are located adjacent to the insulating lamina 48 of the sensors 36 and comprise 1/2 ounce

copper, for example.

An outermost insulating lamina 54 is provided over

the conductors 52 for mounting the processing means 38

on the base region 34. The outermost lamina 54

comprises a suitable flexible material, such as kapton,

and is preferably approximately 0.001 inch thick. A

pliant adhesive 50, such as epoxy is disposed between

each lamina 52, 54 comprising the base region 34 for

bonding the base region 34 together and for bonding the

base 34 to the sensors 36, to provide a unitary

movement sensing unit 30.

Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 4-5 of the

drawings, a layer of a suitable variable resistive

material 56 is disposed over a portion of each outer

insulating lamina 48 of the sensors 36, such that an

abduction side 58 and an adduction side 60 of each

sensor 36 each have substantially identically

configured layers of the resistive material 56 thereon.

In the preferred embodiment 10, the resistive material

56 is disposed on the finger sensors 36A-36D, such that a distal layer of the material 56A extends from the

distal end 47 of each sensor to a selected mid-region

64 thereof. A proximal layer of the material 56B

extends from the mid-region 64 toward the base 34.

Each side of the thumb sensor 36E is provided with

a layer of resistive material 56 that extends from the

distal end 47A of the sensor 36E toward a mid-region

64A thereof. The extension and flexion sensor 36F is

provided with a layer of resistive material 56 that

extends from a distal end 47B thereof to a mid-region

64B of the sensor 36F, while the thumb roll sensor 36H

is provided with a layer of material 56 that extends

substantially the length thereof.

The resistive material 56 preferably comprises a

suitable graphite based paint, with each layer thereof

having a preferred thickness of approximately 0.0005

inch. Each side 58, 60 of the sensors 36 are provided

with resistive material 56 of substantially identical

configuration, length and thickness, so that the

resistive material 56 disposed on each side 58, 60 of

the sensor 36 will have a similar initial resistance value. While, the initial resistance value of the

material 56 on each side of the sensors 36 may comprise

any value desired, preferably the initial resistance

value of the material 56 is approximately 2 thousand

ohms (2k ohms) .

Due to the characteristics of the graphite

material 56, any flexure of the sensor 36 causes the

resistance value of the material 56 thereof to change

in a diverging manner, and most preferably, in a linear

fashion. For example, during sensor abduction, wherein

the user bends one or more of their fingers 26, or

thumb 28, toward the palm of the hand 14, the material

56 on each side 58, 60 undergoes flexure, causing the

initial resistance values thereof to diverge.

Preferably, during abduction, the resistance value of

the material 56 on the adduction side 60 increases,

while the resistance value of the material 56 on the

abduction side 58 decreases. The resistance values of

the material 56 on each side 58, 60 of the sensor 60

diverge to a value corresponding to the degree of

flexure of the sensor 36. The resistive material 56 provides a means for

tracking flexure, by providing a differential

measurement source. The material 56 on each side 58,

60 of the sensor 36 does not have to have similar

initial resistance values, so long as the initial

resistance value thereof are known. Additionally, the

resistance value of the material 56 need only diverge

to provide a measurement, so that it is not important

as to which layer of material 56, abduction 58 or

adduction 60, increases or decreases in resistance

value .

Referring again to the drawing Figures, voltage

that is applied to the sensing unit 30 for energizing

the processing means 38, for example, is additionally

applied to each side 58, 60 of each sensor 36, via the

conductors 46 to establish a reference voltage. For

example, a negative voltage, such as -5 V may be

applied to one side, such as the abduction side 58, of

the sensor 36 and a corresponding positive voltage,

such as +5 V may be applied to the other side, such as

the adduction side 60, for establishing a voltage differential, of approximately 10 V, between the two

sides 58, 60, for establishing a voltage divider.

With a positive voltage applied to one side of the

sensor 36 and a corresponding negative voltage applied

to the remaining side, the sensor 36 is maintained at a

0 V initial voltage potential, when the sensor 36 is

substantially planar, prior to any flexure thereof.

Flexure of the sensor 36 causes the resistance value of

the material 56 on each side thereof to change, for

changing the reference voltage level between the

abduction and adduction sides 58, 60, such as by the

voltage level going more positive or more negative, to

indicate that the sensor 36 has been flexed and the

degree of flexure.

Referring to the previous example, a desired

degree of flexure of a sensor 36, due to abduction of a

finger 26, causes the resistance value of the material

56 on the abduction side 58 to decrease, thus

increasing the voltage level thereon a corresponding

amount, to -5.2 V for example, while the resistance

value of the material 56 on the adduction side 60 increases, thus decreasing the voltage level thereon a

corresponding amount, to +4.8 V, for example. Thus,

flexure of the sensor 36 results in the voltage

potential thereon changing from 0 V to -0.2 V. Signals

representative of the change of voltage potential are

transmitted to the processing means 38, which processes

the signals for transmitting representative data to the

computer 16, via the data cable 18. As the sensors 36

are flexed, the voltage potential thereon constantly

changes to indicate the degree of flexure and position

of the sensor 36 relative to the initial position

thereof .

Thus, the varying voltage potential on each of the

sensors 36 provides a facile means for measuring the

extent that the sensors 36 are flexed and for

determining the various positions of each of the

sensors 36. Further, if the degree of flexure of any

one of the sensors is maintained, the resistance values

remain constant, so that the voltage potential thereon

remains constant and indicates that the position of the

sensor 36 has not changed. Therefore, the movement

sensors 36 of the data glove 10 continuously generate data representative of the actual positions and

gestures of the wearer's hand 10, for allowing the

processing means 38 to transmit data representative of

the wearer's hand gestures to the computer 16.

Thus, there has been described a system for

manipulating a computer generated animation in real

time, such as a virtual reality program running on a

computer. The system includes a data glove for

managing data based on an operator's hand gestures. The

data glove includes a movement sensing unit that

comprises a flexible circuit board that extends along

the dorsal region of the wearer's fingers and hand, and

includes a plurality of movement sensors. The sensors

transmit signals to a processor for determining any

movement of the wearer's hand. The sensors have a

resistive material disposed on each side thereof, so

that any flexure of the sensor causes the resistance

values to diverge, preferably linearly. The resistance

values on each side of the sensor diverge to a value

corresponding to the degree of flexure of the sensor.

A reference voltage is applied to each side of the

sensor for establishing a voltage differential between the two sides. Any flexure of the sensor causes the

resistance value of each side to change, and thereby

changes the reference voltage level between the two

sides to indicate that the sensor has been flexed and

the degree of flexure.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that

various adaptations and modifications of the just-

described preferred embodiments can be configured

without departing from the scope and spirit of the

invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that,

within the scope of the appended claims, the invention

may be practiced other than as specifically described

herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is Claimed Is:

1. A device for measuring flexure

comprising:

a flexible circuit board having a base region

and at least one sensor electrode;

a resistive material applied to each sensor

electrode, the resistive material having an

initial resistance value when the sensor is in an

initial position; and

an initial voltage potential established on

each sensor, wherein flexure of any sensor causes

the resistance value thereof to change, for

shifting the initial voltage potential thereon for

indicating flexure of the sensor.

2. The device of Claim 1 wherein the

resistance value of the resistive material changes

linearly in response to flexures thereof for

causing the voltage potential on the electrode to

shift linearly.

3. The device of Claim 2 wherein the

resistance value of the resistive material changes

linearly for shifting the voltage potential on the

electrode linearly to indicate flexure of the

electrode and degree of flexure relative to the

initial position thereof.

4. The device of Claim 1 further

comprising:

signal processing means for processing

signals generated by the sensor electrodes; and flexible conductor means for coupling the

electrodes to the processing means, the conductor

means adapted to be flexed repeatedly.

5. A device for measuring flexure

comprising:

a flexible circuit board having a base region

and a plurality of sensor electrodes extending

outwardly therefrom, each of the sensors having a

first side and a second side;

a layer of resistive material applied to each

side of each of the sensor electrodes, the

resistive material applied to each side of the

electrode, such that each side thereof has a

similar resistance value when the sensor is in an

initial position;

a power source for applying a different

voltage level to each side of each sensor for establishing a voltage differential between the

two sides and an initial voltage potential on each

sensor,

wherein any flexure of any sensor causes the

resistance value on each side thereof to change,

for shifting the initial voltage potential on the

sensor to indicate that the sensor has been flexed

and the degree of flexure.

6. The device of Claim 5 wherein the layer

of resistive material applied to each side of each

sensor comprises a variable resistance material

that increases and decreases in value linearly in

response to flexures thereof, such that each layer

of resistive material has a similar resistance

value when the sensor is in an initial position,

the resistance material adapted to diverge in a

linear manner upon any flexure of the sensor for

shifting the voltage potential on the electrode

linearly to indicate flexure of the electrode and degree of flexure relative to the initial position

thereof .

7. The device of Claim 6 wherein each layer

of resistive material comprises a graphite based

paint ranging in thickness from approximately

0.00025 inch to approximately 0.0010 inch.

8. The device of Claim 5 further

comprising:

signal processing means for processing

signals generated by the sensor electrodes;

flexible conductor means for coupling the

electrodes to the processing means, the conductor

means comprising a pliable material for repeatedly

flexing the conductor means without causing harm

thereto; and means for transmitting processed signals from

the signal processing means to a computing means.

9. The device of Claim 8 wherein the sensor

electrodes comprise elongated portions of flexible

circuit board, the flexible circuit board

comprising a first layer and a second layer of a

flexible insulating material with the flexible

conductor means interposed therebetween, the

conductor means comprising a layer of copper

having a selected thickness enabling the copper to

be repeatedly flexed.

10. The device of Claim 9 wherein the copper

conductor of each of the sensor electrodes is

centered along its length for balancing the copper

to reduce strain thereon enabling the copper to be

repeatedly flexed.

11. The device of Claim 10 wherein the

electrode sensors are approximately 0.010 inch

thick.

12. The device of Claim 10 wherein the

electrode sensors are at least 0.010 inch thick.

13. A data management device for managing

data based on an operator's hand gestures, the

device comprising:

a glove for coupling the device to a hand of

a wearer;

a flexible circuit board coupled to the glove

and positioned adjacent to the hand of the wearer,

the circuit board having a base region and a

plurality of sensor electrodes configured to extend along the dorsal region of each digit of

the hand of the wearer;

a resistive material applied to each

electrode, the resistive material having an

initial resistance value when the sensor is in an

initial position; and

a power source for establishing an initial

voltage potential on each sensor, wherein hand

gestures by the wearer cause flexure of at lease

one of the sensors causing the resistance value

thereof to change, the changing resistance value

shifting the initial voltage potential on the

sensor for indicating flexure of the sensor

representative of the hand gesture.

14. The system of Claim 12 further

comprising : data transmission means for transmitting

signals generated by the sensors to a computing

means; and

a sensor provided for sensing movement of

each digit of the hand of the wearer, the

electrodes generating signals determined by the

flexure thereof to provide data representative of

the hand gestures of the wearer to the computing

means .

15. The system of Claim 14 wherein the

resistive material comprises a variable resistance

material that increases and decreases in resistive

value linearly in response to flexures thereof,

such that the resistance material has its initial

resistance value when the electrode is in the

initial position, the resistance value of the

material adapted to increase and decrease linearly

upon adduction and abduction of the hand inducing

analogous flexure of the sensors, the changing resistance value shifting the voltage potential on

the electrode linearly to indicate flexure of the

electrode and degree of flexure relative to the

initial position thereof.

16. The device of Claim 13 wherein the

flexible circuit board is retained in the glove

17. A data management device for managing

data based on an operator's hand gestures, the

device comprising:

a glove for coupling the device to a hand of

a wearer;

a flexible circuit board coupled to the glove

and interposed between a dorsal region of the hand

of the wearer and the glove, the circuit board having a base region and a plurality of sensor

electrodes;

a layer of variable resistance resistive

material applied to each side of each of the

sensor electrodes so that each side thereof has a

common resistance value when the sensor electrode

is in an initial position, the common resistance

value of the resistive material diverging upon

flexure thereof for indicating flexure of the

sensor, wherein the resistance value of the

material on one side of the sensor decreases,

while the resistance level on the other side

increases, the resistance values on each side of

the sensor diverging to a value corresponding to

the degree of flexure of the sensor;

a power source for applying a different

voltage level to each side of each sensor for

establishing a voltage differential between the

two sides and an initial voltage potential on each

sensor, wherein hand gestures by the wearer cause

flexure of at lease one of the sensors causing the resistance value of the material thereon to

change, the changing resistance value shifting the

initial voltage potential thereon for indicating

flexure of the sensor representative of the hand

gesture; and

data transmission means for transmitting

signals generated by the sensors to a computing

means .

18. The system of Claim 17 wherein each

layer of resistive material comprises a variable

resistance material that increases and decreases

in resistive value linearly in response to

flexures thereof, the common resistance value of

the resistive material on each sensor diverges

linearly upon adduction and abduction of the hand

inducing analogous flexure of the sensors, the

changing resistance value of the variable

resistance material shifting the voltage potential

on the sensor linearly to indicate flexure of the sensor and degree of flexure relative to the

initial position thereof, the resistive value of

the resistance material increasing and decreasing

only during flexure of the sensors for shifting

the voltage potential only during flexure of the

sensors .

19. The device of Claim 17 wherein a sensor

is provided for sensing movement of each digit of

the hand of the wearer, the sensors comprising

elongated portions of the flexible circuit board

configured to extend along the dorsal region of

each of the digits .

20. The device of Claim 19 further

comprising a sensor for sensing movement in at

least one region of the hand, a sensed region

extending along a web between two of the digits of

the hand of the wearer .

21. The device of Claim 20 further

comprising a sensor for sensing movement in

selected regions of the hand, one of the selected

sensed regions extending along the web between the

thumb and index finger and another one of the

selected sensed regions extending along the web

between two of the remaining digits of the hand of

the wearer.

22. The device of Claim 17 wherein the glove

has an aperture extending along a dorsal side

thereof configured to retain the flexible circuit

board therein, the circuit board retained in the

aperture for preventing the circuit board from

contacting the hand and for preventing the circuit

board from inadvertently contacting external

objects for inhibiting harm from coming to the

circuit board.

23. The device of Claim 17 wherein the glove

comprises a substantially elastic material for

conforming to the hand of the wearer while

enabling freedom of movement thereof.

24. The device of Claim 18 further

comprising :

signal processing means coupled to the base

region of the circuit board, the processing means

for processing signals generated by the sensors to

generate data representative of the hand gestures

of the hand of the wearer for transmitting the

data to the computing means with the transmission

means ; and

flexible conductor means for coupling the

sensors to the processing means, the conductor

means comprising a pliable metal enabling repeated

flexure thereof; the flexible circuit board comprising a first

layer and a second layer of a flexible insulating

material with the conductor means interposed

therebetween .

25. The device of Claim 9 wherein the

conductor means comprises a layer of copper having

a selected thickness for enabling the copper to be

repeatedly flexed, the copper conductor of each of

the sensors centered along the length of the

sensor for balancing the copper to reduce strain

thereon enabling the copper to be repeatedly

flexed.