Abstract
We present a novel on-skin touch sensing approach based on the electrical impedance method (EIM). Our approach enables the user to detect touch across the surface of the forearm by wearing two bands, one each on the lower and upper forearm. EIM uses a conductive substance to identify the area being touched. We focused on the electrical conductivity of the skin and applied EIM to the forearm. The two bands have electrodes on the inside. Signals are applied to these electrodes, and the resulting voltage on the surface of the skin is then measured. The advantages of our approach are that it works over a large area of the forearm, and can recognize both hand gestures and touch.