Multi-Functional Fingernail Sensors Using Photoplethysmograph

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

The objective of the proposed work is to investigate and build a system for measuring finger postures and forces. The system will become an important milestone on the way to producing more effective haptic devices. In the existing systems the natural haptic sense of the human finger is lost or obstructed - this problem will be overcome in the current work. Fundamental properties of finger hemodynamics and tissue mechanics will be investigated, as well as design and signal properties issues. Nail sensor design will be optimized with respect to the distribution of photo diodes and the location and wavelength of LEDs across the nail surface. A nonlinear filter for motion artifact rejection will be designed.