Currently, many people choose smartwatches as a supplementary control for their smartphones.
Image source: Business Insider However, due to the small screen size of smartwatches, operating them can be particularly cumbersome. This is especially true for tasks that require a high degree of precision, which can leave users feeling frustrated. While voice control is a good supplement, it may not be effective in noisy environments or situations with low voice recognition accuracy.
To address this issue, a research team from Carnegie Mellon University has proposed a solution: adding a motion capture device to smartwatches. This device can capture finger movements on the skin and translate these actions into actual controls for the smartwatch. With this method, the smartwatch can extend the arm as a second touchpad, thereby increasing the touch area.
According to a report by Gizmodo, this motion capture device is called SkinTrack, developed by the “Future Interfaces” research group at Carnegie Mellon University. This device emits high-frequency signals to detect and recognize the trajectory of fingers on the skin, providing relevant feedback to the smartwatch to perform corresponding actions.
SkinTrack currently supports some operations on a flat surface, such as single-finger taps and swipes, and also allows for small hovering actions. The signals emitted by SkinTrack have strong penetration, allowing operations on the sleeve to be sensed, which enhances the versatility of this component in various scenarios.
Additionally, the research team can create SkinTrack in various forms. Besides being built into smartwatches, SkinTrack can also be made into rings, wristbands, and other forms of smart wearables, enabling it to perform more tasks in conjunction with smartwatches.
Currently, the Future Interfaces group has implemented several functions with SkinTrack, such as making phone calls, doodling, and playing ‘Angry Birds’.
According to their published data, SkinTrack has an accuracy rate of 99%, which is already at a usable level. The group also stated that in the future, they will seek collaborations with smartwatch or other smart wearable manufacturers to integrate this technology and functionality into physical products to realize its true potential.
