Remote monitoring of human hand motion using induced electrostatic signals

In this paper, the electrostatic detection equation of moving hand is proposed based on Gauss’ Law and electric field superposition theorem, and experimental results match the theoretical calculation well, which confirms that we can monitor hand motion under non-contact condition effectively. Then we develop an effective non-contact, passive and low cost technique using induced electrostatic signals measurement for determination of the velocity and direction of human hand motion based on the variation tendency in the electric field strength between moving hand and electrodes, which doesn’t require complex data processing even in an open unshielded environment close to sources of power line interference and resistance noise generated by computer and electric iron respectively. Experimental results confirm that hand gesture can be recognized by non-contact electrostatic detection by adopting multiple electrodes array.

► Hand motion can be recognized by measuring induced electrostatic signals.
► We deduce the detection equation of hand motion.
► Determination of velocity and direction of hand motion is achieved.