Finger TPS II - Finger Pressure Sensor System
The FingerTPS™ is a set of wearable finger sensors that enable you to measure grip, touch, and other hand forces. A more affordable alternative to the TactileGlove, this easy-to-use system captures high-quality data in a natural and organic form-factor.
Finger Sensor Features:
Design or research with accurate, sensitive and repeatable data even for complex finger geometry.
Comfortable, naturally wearable and minimally-intrusive system allows for full range of motion and ensures natural hand manipulation research.
Plug and play—no configuration needed. Just place on the hand, calibrate the sensors and Chameleon auto-detects your hand configuration.
Compact wireless Bluetooth electronics provides simple and easy to use set-up, with minimal wires.
Connect two wrist and finger assemblies at the same time for two handed operations.
Various finger sensor sizes available, see sizing chart for details.
PRODUCT Description
For product designers and researchers who work to optimize product ergonomics by quantifying user interactions, PPS's Finger Tactile Pressure Sensing (FingerTPS™) System is the ideal measurement tool. The FingerTPS™ System utilizes highly sensitive capacitive-based pressure sensors to reliably quantify forces applied by the human hand on objects. Along with its comfortable and slim design, FingerTPS™ uses wireless Bluetooth® connectivity to enable more natural operation without cumbersome wiring. When used with PPS's powerful Chameleon™ Tactile Visualization and Recording (TVR) software, the FingerTPS™ System can be easily reconfigured and recalibrated for different uses of the hands on the fly.
The FingerTPS™ quantifies palm & finger pressure distribution to optimize the hand ergonomics. You can use the finger sensors to quantify the effort exerted while gripping, grasping, or performing other hand tasks. You can comfortably and naturally capture data with a full range of motion, performing actions as you normally would. High-resolution data measurement, best in class sensors, and ease of use make this one of the best hand and finger pressure measurement systems for engineers, designers, and researchers.
Applications
The FingerTPS™ System can be applied in nearly any application where forces exerted on the hand or by the hand need to be measured.
User interaction testing in industrial design
Human factors and ergonomics product testing
Physiology and musculoskeletal research
Worker safety assessment
Rehabilitation and occupational therapy
Athletic, fitness, or sports performance assessment
Fingertip Pressure Profiling and Finger Pressure Mapping
Ergonomic Keyboard Design
Manually Operated Port / Fitting Design (Measuring Stress on Fingers From Plugging in Ports and Mechanical Fittings)
Touch Interfaces Between People and Machines
Robotic Tactile Sensing
Grip Profiling
and more
EXAMPLES
RESEARCH ARTICLE - Swing Type and Batting Grip Affect Peak Pressures on the Hook of Hamate in Collegiate Baseball Players - December 2021 - Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine - Download
RESEARCH ARTICLE - An evaluation of the contact forces on the fingers when squeezing a spherical rehabilitation ball - February 2019 - National Library of Medicine - Download
RESEARCH ARTICLE - Quantifying force application to a newborn manikin during simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation - July 2015 - National Library of Medicine
RESEARCH ARTICLE - From Robot to Human Grasping Simulation - September 2014 - ResearchGate
System Components
2X FingerTPSTM sensors (any 2 of 6 shown)
BLE Module
Bluetooth® Dongle
Wrist Module
Calibration and Reference Load Cell
Sensor Characteristics and Performance
| Force Range | 4.4 lbs (2 kg) |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | 0.1% |
| Signal-to-Noise (SNR) | 1000:1 |
| Gain Non-Repeatability | 1% |
| Linearity | 99% |
| Accuracy Error | Less than 5% |
| Sensor Thickness | 0.08 in (1.5 m) |
| Cable Length | 59 in (1.5 m) |
| Weight | 0.12 lbs (55 g) |
Electronic Specifications
| Scan Rate | 25 - 40 Hz |
|---|---|
| Interconnection | Wireless Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) - Maximum 5m range |
| Battery Life | > 2 Hours |
| Input Voltage / Power | 3.7 V / 2.5 W |
| Operating Temperature | 5 - 40 °C |
| Battery Capacity | 250 mAh |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1.How many sensors come with a purchase of a FingerTPS System?
Your choice of any two finger sensors come with one system, so you can for example order index finger and thumb, or palm sensor and any one finger. You may order additional finger sensors, if you need.
2. Is the FingerTPS System one-size fits all?
The sensors are offered in various sizes from XS to L. Please refer to the FingerTPS™ Sizing Chart to determine the best sized finger sensor for you.
3. Can I use a FingerTPS sensor on any finger?
That will depend on the difference between the individual fingers. If, for example, your ring finger and middle finger are a similar size, you can use the same sensor for either of them. We would not suggest using a smaller finger sensor on a larger finger as stretching the sensor cloth casing may damage the sensor. Using a larger sensor for a smaller finger might, on the other hand, provide inaccurate data. However, you can swap the sensor system between right hand and left hand.
4. Where is the sensing elements located on the finger sensors?
The sensing elements are located in an oval shape at the bottom fingertip of each sensor. No sensing elements are located on the back of the sensor.
5. You say this is wireless but there are wires on the FingerTPS System?
The system is wireless in that it does not need to be connected to the computer via wires. The system connects to the computer over Bluetooth®.
6. What is the wireless Bluetooth® range of the FingerTPS System?
You can use the system up to 5 meters from the computer in which the Bluetooth® dongle is attached.
7. Are the finger sensors waterproof?
No, the FingerTPS™ elements are not waterproof.
8. How often does the FingerTPS require calibration?
The capacitive based sensing modality of PPS sensors results in an extremely stable sensor with superior reliability and repeatability. With proper use and care, the FingerTPS™ should retain its calibration for years.
Videos
