Abstract
In this paper, we propose a new sensing system which measures tangential force on forearm. When the tangential force is applied to the forearm, skin surface moves vertically at the side of the forearm. By using infrared photo reflective sensor, the normal deformations of the skin are detected and then the related tangential force can be estimated. This sensor is useful to measure human-human contact event such as a massage. We show our Finite Element Method simulation results that show our concept is feasible. We fabricated prototype system and evaluated that the theory can be applied to the realistic situation. We also show one of the applications which utilize human skin surface as an input device for information environment.
