Output details
34 - Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory
University of Ulster
Measuring Finger Movement in Arthritic Patients Using Wearable Glove Technology
This work began as part of the RCUK funded Digital Human project. Quigley's role in the team was to research and develop the design of the Interactive Hand which involved the development of 3D computer generated graphics of the human musculoskeletal system of the human hand. The hand is anatomically accurate and is rigged using computer animation techniques with articulations informed by data taken from medical journals.
This led to a collaboration with Faculty of Computing and Engineering staff and Medical Clinician from Western Health Social Care Trust (WHSCT). As lead partners, we initially raised £5000 to develop a prototype of a computer software tool & measurement glove to measure hand movement in arthritic patients. The Interactive Hand 3D model was integrated to give accurate visual feedback to patients and was directly linked to sensors on the glove.
Quigley's design research role encompassed 3D graphical visualisation of the human hand and integration into the software, graphical user interface (GUI) and user experience (UX) development, general project management including fund raising
Quigley was also responsible for developing the computer software GUI which is a key part of the tool. Central to this was consideration of usability and user experience.
Based on the success of the project and contacts made throughout development an interdisciplinary working group (Measurement, Anatomy, Technology 2009) was formalised which aligned people with skill sets from the Creative Arts, Computing & Engineering, Rheumatology, Computer Programming, Orthopedics, Therapists, Physiotherapy and Business Development.
External funding of £7,200 was achieved to support the project granted through WHSCT and Trauma and Rehabilitation Recognised Research Group (TR RRG).
The project was shortlisted in the £25k Awards 2010 and also won at the HSC Elevation Awards - The Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) Innovative Idea of the Year 2010.
