Abstract
We present an radio-frequency (RF)-based approach to gesture detection and recognition, using e-textile versions of common transmission lines used in microwave circuits. This approach allows for easy fabrication of input swatches that can detect a continuum of finger positions and similarly basic gestures, using a single measurement line. We demonstrate that the swatches can perform gesture detection when under thin layers of cloth or when weatherproofed, providing a high level of versatility not present with other types of approaches. Additionally, using small convolutional neural networks, low-level gestures can be identified with a high level of accuracy using a small, inexpensive microcontroller, allowing for an intelligent fabric that reports only gestures of interest, rather than a simple sensor requiring constant surveillance from an external computing device. The resulting e-textile smart composite has applications in controlling wearable devices by providing a simple, eyes-free mechanism to input simple gestures.
Highlights
The development of conductive fabrics and threads (e-textiles) has allowed for the seamless integration of complex circuits into garments
Stripline and microstrip swatches are ideal for use as a gesture input device, as the coaxial line produces only a moderate amount of difference in the phase of the reflection coefficient based on where the line is pinched
We explore the use of RF-based, e-textile input devices for gesture recognition in garments and other fabric-based objects
Summary
The development of conductive fabrics and threads (e-textiles) has allowed for the seamless integration of complex circuits into garments. E-textile widgets can mimic traditional graphical user interface widgets, such as buttons, jog-wheels, slides and keyboards [1,2,3], as well as provide novel modes of interaction [4]. These devices involve combining one or more e-textile sensing components (swatches) and a microcontroller circuit to measure samples from the swatches, such as LilyPad [5].
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