Predicting fingertip forces by imaging coloration changes in the fingernail and surrounding skin.

Sun, Yu; Hollerbach, John M; Mascaro, Stephen A · IEEE Trans Biomed Eng · 2008

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

This paper presents an external camera method for measuring fingertip forces by imaging the fingernail and surrounding skin. A 3-D model of the fingernail surface and skin is obtained with a stereo camera and laser striping system. Subsequent images from a single camera are registered to the 3-D model by adding fiducial markings to the fingernail. Calibration results with a force sensor show that the measurement range depends on the region of the fingernail and skin. A generalized least squares model is developed to predict fingertip force given coloration changes, and results for normal and shear force measurement are presented.

Medical subject headings