Magnetic hand motion tracking system for human-machine interaction

A magnetic hand motion tracking system for a variety of applications requiring human-machine interaction is presented. Small permanent magnets are fixed on fingernails as signal sources. A series of magnetic sensors on a wristband measure magnetic signals related to the movements of the fingertips. The measured data are transmitted to the application wirelessly. A hand geometric model and a least-square source localisation algorithm are utilised to calculate the hand postures. This system does not require wire connections and can be used conveniently and unobstructively.