Multi-sensor based gestures recognition with a smart finger ring

Abstract

Recently several optical and non-optical sensors based gesture recognition techniques have been developed to interact with computing devices. However, these techniques mostly suffer from problems such as occlusion and noise. In this work, we present Pingu, a multi-sensor based framework that is capable of recognizing simple, sharp, and tiny gestures without the problems mentioned above. Pingu has been calibrated in the form of a wearable finger ring, capable of interacting even when the device is not in the vicinity of the user. An advanced set of sensors, wireless connectivity, and feedback facilities enable Pingu for a wide range of potential applications, from novel gestures to social computing. In this paper, we present our results based on experiments conducted to explore Pingu's use as a general gestural interaction device. Our analysis, based on simple machine learning algorithms, shows that simple and sharp gestures performed by a finger can be detected with a high accuracy, thereby, stablishing Pingu as a wearable ring to control a smart environment effectively. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.