Skin and Bone Surfaces for a Three-Dimensional Kinematic Hand Model

• Published in: Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting Vol. 53; no. 18; pp. 1225 - 1229
• Main Authors: Park, Daewoo, Armstrong, Thomas J., Woolley, Charles B., Best, Christopher J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.10.2009
• ISSN: 1541-9312; 1071-1813; 2169-5067
• DOI: 10.1177/154193120905301813

We have previously described the development of a 20 link, 25 degrees-of-freedom three-dimensional kinematic model of the hand (Buchholz and Armstrong 1992, Choi and Armstrong 2006). Each link corresponds to a segment of the hand. We also showed how this model can be used to predict 1) hand posture and finger placement using contact algorithms and 2) the space required for the hand to reach for and grasp work objects. The present model uses an array of points based on truncated cones to describe the skin surface. This study aims to develop models for describing the surface of the hand that are congruent with the anatomic structure of the hand. These models will improve the model predictions of finger placement and posture, of the space required by the hand, and the hand image. In addition, we also aim to develop models that describe the bones in the hand that will make it possible to study tendon excursions, loads and injuries. Graphic files that describe the surfaces of the hand and the bones were generated from multiple computed tomography images of adult human hands. The centers of flexor and extensor tendons were also identified in the images and located with respect to the above surfaces. These anatomical features were then scaled and added to the link structure of the biomechanical hand model.