Measurement of single phalanges position: a new fast and accurate solution

This paper deals with the design and the testing of an exoskeleton system able to catch the angular deflections of every phalanges of three fingers. It has to be placed on the back of the human hand, giving the possibility to measure with great precision the rotation of every phalange. The system is composed of a mechanical exoskeleton, working with a micro-encoder like position sensor. A smart unit based on a microprocessor, endowed with a dedicated card, was also designed in order to make the system more compatible with every computer. The system is studied as a standalone device sending and receiving data through the RS232 serial line, and is able to calibrate and to interpret commands by means of dedicated software. This way the system is flexible and precise