FIN-WEAR THE WORLD

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
FIN- wear the world is a real life buddy for every individual to do their digital
interactions as natural as possible. Fin is a trendy gadget that can be worn on the thumb
and makes the whole palm as a digital touch interface. Fin is one of the top 15 startups in
the world at TechCrunch Hardware Battlefield in the year 2014. Fin is as shown in the
Figure 1.1.

Figure 1.1: FIN-Wear the World

Wearable technology has a long way to go when it comes to taking the next big
leap into the future of gadgets and gizmos. And by far what it has been seen in the
wearable technology market is quite impressive. Another new entrant in this demanding
wearable technology sphere is Fin ring by RHL Vision, a visionary Indian tech start-up
looking to transform the complexion of current gadget market. As the name itself suggests,
Fin is a wearable ring that gives the power to morph hand into a digital touch interface
which is gesture controlled to achieve any kind of action. The device acts like Hotkey for
certain specific function as it has built-in sensors to track movement in relation to the
palm, virtually turning it into a segment of different areas for different input. For example
while typing in the whole palm turns into a numeric keypad. The ring is connected to other
gadgets like Smart TV, Smartphone, desktop, dashboards etc. using Bluetooth connectivity
and pre-programmed gestures control functions like controlling volume, sending text,
dialing phone numbers, taking photos or playing games.
Gestures are an important aspect of human interaction, both interpersonally and in the
context of man-machine interfaces.
Dept of DECS, VTU PG centre, Mysore

Page 1

FIN-WEAR THE WORLD

A gesture is a form of non-verbal communication in which visible bodily

actions communicate particular messages, either in place of speech or together and in
parallel with words. Gestures interface with computers using gestures of the human
body, typically hand movements. Gesture recognition is an important skill for robots
that work closely with humans. Gesture recognition is especially valuable in
applications involving interaction with human/robot for several reasons. Gestures
include movement of the hands, face, or other parts of the body. In the military, the air
marshals use hand and body gestures to direct flight operations aboard aircraft carriers.
Fin uses hand gesture recognition. Hand gesture recognition is one obvious way to
create a useful, highly adaptive interface between machines and their users. Hand
gesture recognition technology would allow for the operation of complex machines
using only a series of finger and hand movements, eliminating the need for physical
contact between operator and machine.
The possibilities are endless as Fin ring can be connected to any iOS, Android or
Windows compatible device of the users choice, provided app developers make
applications for the same. Fin runs on a lithium ion battery that is recharged via MicroUSB port and lasts almost two months on normal usage. Once you wear it the world is in
your palm and once app developers get to work on exploring the possibilities of Fin we
can expect.

Dept of DECS, VTU PG centre, Mysore

Page 2

FIN-WEAR THE WORLD

CHAPTER 2

FEATURES OF FIN
FIN wear the world has different features which enables it to be the best wearable
tech. A new gesture-based wearable transmitter turns the palm into a touch interface. The
ring shaped transmitter called Fin is worn on the thumb and uses Bluetooth technology to
communicate with different electronic devices. The portable device enables to control up
to three electronic devices such as smart phones, car radios and smart TVs using only
swipes and taps. The device can control the volume on a TV, change the channel, adjust
AC in the car and even let users text or dial a number without touching their phone. The
ring also works as a remote control on a number of Smartphone functions like accepting or
rejecting calls, using the phones camera, and controlling the media player. FIN is made up
of flexible, durable, waterproof and dustproof material. The ring shaped wearable FIN is
charged wirelessly. The features of Fin are as listed below in the Figure 2.1. Fin is
compatible with three different types of devices. FIN can be interfaced with three
electronic devices having Bluetooth technology. The electronic devices can be the smart
TV, Smart watches, music systems and gaming devices. The Figure 2.1 shows the different
types of devices that Fin is compatible.

Figure 2.1: Electronic devices compatible with fin.

Fin is compatible with Smart TV, head mounted devices, music system in cars,
AC control in car, smart phones. Among these devices any three can be interfaced with a
single Fin and can perform any action in them just by using the thumb and the palm.

2.1

Gesture interaction on palm

Dept of DECS, VTU PG centre, Mysore

Page 3

FIN-WEAR THE WORLD

FIN worn the thumb turns the whole palm into a gesture interface which enables
the palm to interact with the electronic devices that has been interfaced with it. The
electronic devices to be interfaced with Fin should have Bluetooth technology. The
Figure 2.2 shows the thumbs gesture interaction with the palm.

Figure 2.2: Gesture interaction on palm

2.2

Recognizes each division of the finger

Fin can uniquely recognize each segment of the fingers and can convert the palm

into a numeric keypad. For example, tap using the thumb on the index finger to make the
smart phones silent mode toggle On/Off while the smart phone is in the pocket of the
user. The different segments of the finger recognition are as shown in the Figure 2.3.

Figure 2.3: Segment recognition by FIN

2.3

Fin makes your palm as numeric keypads

Fin makes palm as numeric keypads and fingers as hotkeys. Fin makes fingers as

virtual keyboard as a touch-typing device that does not have a physical manifestation of
the sensing areas. That is, the sensing area which acts as a button. The Figure 2.4 shows
the fin worn on the thumb ring makes the palm to act as virtual keypads. So a sensing
Dept of DECS, VTU PG centre, Mysore

Page 4

FIN-WEAR THE WORLD

area could for example be realized with photo-electric sensors, active finger tracking
methods, or a touch pad. The latter is different from a keypad as it does not have a-priori
designated areas for buttons. Virtual keyboards that employ discrete sensing areas for
each symbol (rather than chording methods) inherently allow for realization of a soft
keyboard. To mention are soft keyboards which can dynamically change the key
arrangement for different users, situations, or even from keystroke to keystroke. Often
times they also provide keys that produce a sequence of characters per key press. This
benefit is of particular interest to virtual keyboards as they might combine a projection
method with the input detection technique, thereby alleviating the need to switch the
focus of attention from display device to a physically separate input device.

Figure 2.4: Palm as virtual keypads

2.4

Fashionable, waterproof, dustproof and durable

FIN when worn on the thumb looks very stylish. The Fin worn on thumb is as

shown in the Figure 2.5. Fin is made up of waterproof and dustproof material. This
feature of Fin makes it very durable. It is also flexible and the size can be increased or
decreased to the necessary requirement of the user.

Dept of DECS, VTU PG centre, Mysore

Page 5

FIN-WEAR THE WORLD

Figure 2.5: Fin worn on thumb

CHAPTER 3

IMPLEMENTATION OF FIN
The designing of FIN includes the hardware description section and the working
of FIN. Each and every segment of every finger is meant for some application like each
and every finger on the palm is meant to target an individual gadget. The surgical
Dept of DECS, VTU PG centre, Mysore

Page 6

FIN-WEAR THE WORLD

stainless steel and allergy-free Smarty Ring is 13mm wide and 4mm thick, and comes in
different ring sizes, from size 5 to size 15. Apart from promising a 24-hour battery life, it
also has wireless charging compatibility, and ships with a wireless charger.

3.1 Hardware Description

The hardware used in order to design Fin includes the following and the Figure 3.1
shows the hardware components.

Microcontroller
Optical Sensor
Motion Sensor
Bluetooth 4.0
Battery

Figure 3.1: Components of Fin

3.1.1 Microcontroller
Microcontroller is a small computer on a single integrated circuit containing a
processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals. The microcontroller
used in FIN is as shown in the Figure 3.2. The Program memory in the form of NOR
flash or OTP ROM is also often included on chip, as well as a typically small amount of
RAM. Microcontrollers are designed for embedded application.

Dept of DECS, VTU PG centre, Mysore

Page 7

FIN-WEAR THE WORLD

Figure 3.2: Microcontroller ATMEGA32

Microcontrollers are used in automatically controlled products and devices, such
as automobile engine control systems, implantable medical devices, remote controls,
office machines, appliances, power tools, toys and other embedded systems. By reducing
the size and cost compared to a design that uses a separate microprocessor, memory, and
input/output devices, microcontrollers make it economical to digitally control even more
devices and processes. Mixed signal microcontrollers are common, integrating analog
components needed to control non-digital electronic systems.
Microcontrollers may use four-bit words and operate at clock rate frequencies as
low as 4 kHz, for low power consumption (single-digit mill watts or microwatts). They
will generally have the ability to retain functionality while waiting for an event such as a
button press or other interrupt; power consumption while sleeping (CPU clock and most
peripherals off) may be just nano-watts, making many of them well suited for long lasting
battery applications. Other microcontrollers may serve performance-critical roles, where
they may need to act more like a digital signal processor (DSP), with higher clock speeds
and power consumption.

3.1.2 Optical Sensor

An optical sensor is a device that converts light rays into electronic signals.
Similar to a photo resistor it measures the physical quantity of light and translates it into a
form read by the instrument. The optical sensor used in FIN is as shown in the Figure 3.3.
Usually, the optical sensor is part of a larger system integrating a measuring device, a

Dept of DECS, VTU PG centre, Mysore

Page 8

FIN-WEAR THE WORLD

source of light and the sensor itself. This is generally connected to an electrical trigger,
which reacts to a change in the signal within the light sensor.

Figure 3.3: Optical Sensor

A system for detecting infrared radiation using infrared sensors includes the infrared
source such as blackbody radiators, tungsten lamps, and silicon carbide. In case of active
IR sensors, the sources are infrared lasers and LEDs of specific IR wavelengths.
Transmission medium used for infrared transmission includes vacuum, the
atmosphere, and optical fibers. Optical components such as optical lenses made from
quartz, CaF2, Ge and Si, polyethylene Fresnel lenses, and Al or Au mirrors, are used to
converge or focus infrared radiation. To limit spectral response, band-pass filters are
ideal.
The infrared detector completes the system for detecting infrared radiation. The
output from the detector is usually very small, and hence pre-amplifiers coupled with
circuitry are added to further process the received signals.

3.1.3 Bluetooth 4.0

Bluetooth 4.0 is designed to be more intelligent about managing those
connections, especially when it comes to conserving energy. The new generation of
Bluetooth tech places less emphasis on maintaining a constant stream of information.
Dept of DECS, VTU PG centre, Mysore

Page 9

FIN-WEAR THE WORLD

Instead, it focuses on sending smaller bits of data when needed and then puts the
connection to sleep during periods of non-use. When two 4.0 devices are paired, they
waste less battery power because the connection is dormant unless critical data is being
shared. With the previous generation of Bluetooth, it was best to shut down your
hardware when it was not in use. Now the Bluetooth Special Interest Group estimates
between 1 and 2 years of battery power in some devices with Bluetooth 4.0. Its Bluetooth
4.0 technology lets the user always get real time updates including incoming and
outgoing call notifications, alerts for text and email messages, real time updates from
Facebook, Twitter, Hangouts and Skype.
Bluetooth 4.0 or Bluetooth Smart gives the standard a brain transplant. The new
specification uses improved technology that helps everyday gadgets stay paired longer
while using less power. Bluetooth 4.0 enables a new class of gadgets such as fitness
trackers, medical devices, and key fobs for your car, and even home lighting controls.
Bluetooth Smart gadgets can also remain paired with Smart Ready devices even when
theyre not used for hours or days at a time. Bluetooth 4.0 emphasis on wake and sleep
modes, Smart peripherals that arent in use can remain in sleep mode indefinitely; they
can also wake from that sleep mode in an instant, paired and ready to share data with a
Smart Ready tablet, notebook, or smart phone.
For instance, a heart monitor can be worn for hours yet only send data to a Smart
Ready smart phone when a heart rate reaches a certain number of beats per minute during
exercise. Likewise, a wireless thermometer can remain paired for days, but it will send
temperature readings to a notebook only when that device is used to take a childs
temperature. Bluetooth 4.0 wireless device-to-device technology used in FIN that offers
significantly lower power consumption. Also referred to as Bluetooth Low Energy,
Bluetooth 4.0 achieves its reduced power consumption by enabling devices to remain
paired, or connected to each other, without requiring a continual stream of data to be
transferred between the devices. Hence Bluetooth 4.0 is the best communication
technology that can be used in FIN.

3.1.4 Motion Sensor

An inertial measurement unit or IMU the motion sensor used in FIN is an
electronic device that measures and reports on a thumbs velocity, orientation, and
gravitational forces. Recent developments allow for the production of IMU-enabled GPS
Dept of DECS, VTU PG centre, Mysore

Page 10

FIN-WEAR THE WORLD

devices. An IMU allows a GPS receiver to work when GPS-signals are unavailable, such
as inside buildings, or when electronic interference is present. The motion sensor used in
FIN is as shown in the Figure 3.4

Figure 3.4: IMU the motion sensor used in FIN

An inertial measurement unit works by detecting the current rate of acceleration
using one or more accelerometers, and detects changes in rotational attributes like pitch,
roll and yaw using one or more gyroscopes. And some also include a magnetometer,
mostly to assist calibrate against orientation drift. The term IMU is widely used to refer
to a box containing three accelerometers and three gyroscopes and optionally three
magnetometers. The accelerometers are placed such that their measuring axes are
orthogonal to each other. They measure inertial acceleration, also known as G-force.
The motion sensor IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) is used as motion detector in
FIN. Whenever thumb is swiped on the palm the motion of the thumb is detected by this
motion sensor. This motion sensor calculates the distance covered by the thumb on the
palm and sends signals to the microcontroller which will be programmed earlier for the
particular distance.

3.1.5 Battery
FIN comes with its own wireless charging base, which can be used to charge the
wearable along with a compatible Smartphone. . In terms of battery life though, we dont
expect too much from a ring, but the campaign says it will deliver 24-hour battery life,
Dept of DECS, VTU PG centre, Mysore

Page 11

FIN-WEAR THE WORLD

which sounds rather neat to us considering the size. At the moment, it is said to be
compatible with Android and iOS devices, as long as they have Bluetooth 4.0
capabilities. The Figure 3.5 shows the FIN being placed on smart phone for charging
when the smart phone is being charged using the usual charger just place the FIN on the
smart phone the FIN automatically gets charged.

Figure 3.5: FIN placed on smart phone for charging

CHAPTER 4

WORKING OF FIN

Dept of DECS, VTU PG centre, Mysore

Page 12

FIN-WEAR THE WORLD

FIN operation is mainly dependent upon the gestures that are made using the
thumb since it has the capability of multiple cable identity. The Figure 4.1 shows the
thumb joint which is also called trapeziometacarpal joint is an ideal joint gesture
computing. For Each and every segment of every finger is meant for some application
like each and every finger on the palm is meant to target an individual gadget. The
surgical stainless steel and allergy-free Smarty Ring is 13mm wide and 4mm thick, and
comes in different ring sizes, from size 5 to size 15. Apart from promising a 24-hour
battery life, it also has wireless charging compatibility, and ships with a wireless charger.

Figure 4.1: Thumb joint is ideal for gesture computing

4.1 Prototypes of fin

The fin device has undergone many changes in its structure before arriving at the
stylish design. The Figure 4.1.1 shows the 1st prototype of fin which has bigger in size.

Figure 4.1.1: First prototype of fin

The figure 4.1.2 shows the second prototype of fin which is of the size of a coin.
The size is reduced much better than the first prototype.

Dept of DECS, VTU PG centre, Mysore

Page 13

FIN-WEAR THE WORLD

Figure 4.1.2: Second prototype of fin

The figure 4.1.3 shows the third prototype of fin which is wearable to the thumb ring.

Figure 4.1.3: Third prototype of fin

The figure 4.1.4 shows the final design of fin which is small in size compared to
other prototypes of fin. Final design of fin looks very stylish worn on thumb for both
boys and girls. The waterproof Bluetooth-enabled ring allows users to check alerts from
their smart phone and manage calls right from their finger. A companion app can be used
to configure the alerts the use wishes to receive and the rings function. It can be used to
trigger apps on the smart phone, such as the camera or switching profiles.
The figure 4.2 shows the algorithm of working of the fin. When user inputs a
gesture, the fin wore on the thumb detects the gesture and deduces it into signals and
passes it to the device that is interconnected with the fin. The device performs the task
inputted by the fin and gives the output. Swiping your thumb down your index finger, for
example, could turn your phones volume down.

When the fin detects a gesture, it sends that command off to your connected device,
be it a smart phone, TV, or another wearable device. By tucking an optical sensor into a
Dept of DECS, VTU PG centre, Mysore

Page 14

FIN-WEAR THE WORLD

small ring placed around your thumb, the Fin is able to detect swipes and taps across your
hand.

User: Inputs a gesture

FIN detects the gesture,
deduces it into signals &
passes it to the device (ex:
smart phone)
Device performs the task as
conveyed by the gesture &
gives the output
Figure 4.2: Working algorithm.
When you dial the numbers from your palm, Fin can be used to attend the calls.
Dedicated music controls on the ring lets the user control playback of songs on the users
smart phone. Smarty Ring also acts as a phone finder. So if the user walks more than 30
feet away from their phone, the ring will beep to let the user know that they left their
device behind. According to the Indiegogo campaign, Smarty Ring will also deliver real
time updates from Facebook, Twitter, Hangout and Skype.
The ring can be used to read Emails. Smarty Ring can be attached with phones
which are based on Android or IOS operating systems. To set up Smart ring the user
needs to download an application in their smart phone, after which their phones settings
such as brightness lid, beeper volume and speed dial, can be adjusted by using Smarty
Ring.
Fin is also used in biometric systems and even for finger print detection. It is very
useful for blind people in order to operate their electronic devices very easily. In future it
is even enhanced for home purposes like locking.

CHAPTER 5
Dept of DECS, VTU PG centre, Mysore

Page 15

FIN-WEAR THE WORLD

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

5.1 Advantages
The advantages of FIN-wear the world are as listed below:
It is durable and flexible.
It is made up of waterproof and dustproof material.
It is small in size and fashionable.
Wireless technology is used for charging FIN.

5.2 Disadvantages
The disadvantages of FIN-wear the world are as listed below:
It is expensive.
The user gets lazier.
User might get confused to recognize the different segments of finger for
different applications.
The electronic device to be interfaced with FIN should compulsorily have
Bluetooth 4.0 technology.

CHAPTER 6

APPLICATIONS
The applications of FIN are as listed below:
The FIN will make your palm as a touchpad that enables the disabled people to
interact with smart phones (attending the calls, SMS).
FIN control the physically disabled chair with a ease.

Dept of DECS, VTU PG centre, Mysore

Page 16

FIN-WEAR THE WORLD

FIN can help physically challenged people to become more independent and selfreliant.
A single swipe on the palm using FIN can change the music track in the users
smart phone.
It can be used to change the smart TV channel or increase/decrease the volume by
a single swipe and bulky remote controllers can be avoided.
FIN can be used instead of joysticks for gaming purposes.
It can be used to change slides during presentation with just a single swipe.
User can answer a call or vary the AC while driving the car without touching the
phones or the remote.
FIN can control your car from being your cars key to controlling your phones
while driving.
FIN can control other car utilities like window glass, wiper etc.

6.2

Future goals

The future goals of fin are listed below

Adding more enhancements to Fin like unique user authentication.
Assembly and complete kit.
Integration and support.
Casing and packaging.
Shipping.
The fund being collected would be invested in the following fields like funding
for materials cost, hardware design etc.

CHAPTER 7

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE ENHANCEMENT

7.1 Conclusion
People in todays world are becoming busier, but still they are wasting a lot of
time interacting with their smart devices. Therefore Rohildev Nattukallingal, the founder
of the Kochi-based RHL Vision Technologies, the startup behind Fin. Fin removes this
interaction gap by allowing users to quickly interact with those devices. While everyones
talking about Google Glass or smart watches being the wearable tech of the future, not
many have considered that something smaller could be just as useful. Thats the idea with
the Smarty Ring, which displays all users phones notifications so that the user dont
have to keep pulling out the phone to check whats going on.
Dept of DECS, VTU PG centre, Mysore

Page 17

FIN-WEAR THE WORLD

In addition, it can accept or reject incoming calls but youll need to pick up your
phone for the call itself, make outgoing calls to preset numbers, trigger the camera, show
the time, and control music. And it beeps when your phone is more than 30 meters away
from you, so it also serves as a theft/loss tracker. Its all configurable via a mobile app.
Smarty Ring brings wearable tech to your finger Hence FIN-wear the world is the next
fashionable and less expensive wearable technology.

7.2

Future goals

The future goals of fin are listed below

Adding more enhancements to Fin like unique user authentication.
Assembly and complete kit.
Integration and support.
Casing and packaging.
Shipping.
The fund being collected would be invested in the following fields like funding
for materials cost, hardware design etc.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
[1] http://www.bgr.in/news/indian-start-ups-big-leap-into-global-innovators-club.
[2] http://www.indiatimes.com/technology/gadgets/smarty-ring-a-remote-ring[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]

116636-8.html.
http://www.techinasia.com/india-smarty-ring-gadget-crowdfunding.
http://www.wearfin.com .
Times of India newspaper published on 10th March 2014.
Nidheesh MK Kochi , Rohil Dev Does It With Fin-esse,21st April,2014,
Available: www.newindianexpress.com/education/edex/Rohil- Dev-Does-it-with-

Fin-.ece .
[7] RajivRao, Wearables Fit For Buisness ? 28 July,2014 , Availablehttp://www.zdnet.com/a-ring-that-golum- could-be-happy-with-7000032043/
[8] Official Website, Fin wearable
gesture control ring-Available:
http://www.wearfin.com/
[9] Evans, F. and Skiena, S. and Varshney, A.; VType: Entering Text in a Virtual
World, submitted to International Journal of Human-Computer Studies.
[10] Mankoff, J. and Abowd, G. D. A word-level unistroke keyboard for pen input.
Dept of DECS, VTU PG centre, Mysore

Page 18

FIN-WEAR THE WORLD

Dept of DECS, VTU PG centre, Mysore

Page 19