Driving Aid for Rotator Cuff Injured Patients using Hand Gesture Recognition

Abstract

Gesture recognition is a way for computers to understand how humans move and express themselves without using traditional methods like typing or clicking. Instead of relying on text or graphics, gesture recognition focuses on reading body movements, such as those made by the hands or face. Currently, there is a specific interest in recognizing hand gestures by analyzing the veins on the back of the hand. Scientists have found that each person has a unique arrangement of veins beneath the skin of their hand. When the hand moves, the position of these veins changes, and this change is considered a gesture. These gestures are then translated into specific actions or tasks by coding the hand movements. This technology is particularly helpful for individuals with rotator cuff injuries. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder that can get injured, causing pain and limiting movement. People with these injuries may have difficulty steering a car, especially if their job or sport involves repetitive overhead motions. With gesture recognition technology, a person can control the car by simply moving their wrist, eliminating the need to use the shoulder. In summary, gesture recognition technology reads the unique patterns of hand veins to interpret hand movements, making it a practical solution for individuals with rotator cuff injuries who may struggle with certain tasks, like steering a car.