Finger Assistive Device

A category of wearable assistive devices worn on a finger or fingertip that extend sensing or actuation to the primary locus of tactile perception. The term was introduced by Shilkrot et al. to classify finger-worn input technologies, particularly those developed for blind and low-vision users. Examples include ring-mounted or nail-mounted cameras, fingertip haptic displays, fingertip text readers, and fingertip pointing aids. Finger assistive devices aim to augment the hand's natural exploratory behaviour rather than replace it, in contrast to handheld or head-mounted alternatives that divert the user's attention or hands away from the object being explored.