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Wearable Sensors for Touch-Based Collaboration and Digital Gaming

Engineering & Physical Sciences
Electronics & Photonics
Sensors & Controls
Other
College
College of Engineering (COE)
Researchers
Kiourti, Asimina
King, Cameron
Swearingen, EunKyoung "Kyoung"
Swearingen, Scott
Thrane, Susan
Williamson, Ian
Licensing Manager
Panic, Ana
(614) 697-3086
panic.2@osu.edu

T2023-298

he Need

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, seamless collaboration among individuals is crucial for driving productivity and innovation. Traditional methods of interaction often fall short in capturing the nuances of human collaboration, leading to inefficiencies and misunderstandings. There is a pressing need for a technology solution that can facilitate and enhance collaborative interactions in real-time, regardless of physical proximity.

The Technology

Our system for collaborative interaction using wearable technology addresses this need by employing advanced wearable sensors and microcontrollers. The first wearable sensor, equipped with multiple electrodes, detects electrical potentials on the wearer's skin, enabling precise sensing of collaborative interaction events. This sensor is seamlessly integrated into a wristband, featuring both conductive and nonconductive yarn sections, ensuring comfort and flexibility during wear. The microcontroller, in communication with the sensors, accurately determines collaborative interaction events and can relay this information to a connected display for real-time feedback.

Commercial Applications

  • Team collaboration in professional settings, enhancing brainstorming sessions and project discussions.
  • Interactive experiences in educational environments, fostering engagement and knowledge sharing among students.
  • Healthcare applications for monitoring and enhancing patient-caregiver interactions in clinical settings.

Benefits/Advantages

  • Real-time feedback: Instantaneous detection and feedback on collaborative interactions enable swift adjustments and improvements.
  • Comfort and flexibility: The wristband design ensures comfort during extended wear, facilitating uninterrupted collaboration.
  • Enhanced understanding: Precise sensing capabilities provide detailed insights into