While searching for ideas, the music glove for hand therapy caught my attention, which inspired me to recreate my own version using Arduino and Processing. With the knowledge gained in class about music and sound production, Arduino switches, and creating interactive screens using P5js, I plan to create an interactive musical glove that allows users to control sound production and play music through hand gestures. This would also encourage hand movement
A few years ago, my grandfather suffered from a paralysis attack after which one side of his body lost the ability to move. Despite the challenges he faced, he was able to restore his mobility through physiotherapy and exercise. Considering this, I believe that an accessible hand glove could be immensely valuable for elderly individuals with blood pressure-related conditions. Such a device could provide a portable and convenient means of conducting regular physiotherapy sessions within the comfort of one’s own home.
Processing
Similar to piano tiles I will make a screen on p5js which will randomly ask the user to make different hand poses and click the button on different finger tips. The button should be clicked within the time and when the corresponding button is overlapping with the moving tile. The number of hits will be recorded on screen along with the total time of the hand therapy session. A specific note will be played for each hand pose to allow the glove to produce a specific tune/ melody during the session.
Arduino
I am planning to use regular buttons stuck on the tips of the four fingers and operating them with the use of thumb. Alternatively, I may opt for a more convenient sensor such as a pressure sensor that can be easily integrated onto the glove while ensuring user comfort. Upon pressing the buttons, the switch state will be relayed to the processing system, which will remove the corresponding tile. If the user presses the wrong button, an error message will be displayed on the screen. If the user is slow to press the button, a message stating “slightly late” will appear. Successful hits will be met with encouraging messages displayed on the screen.