3D Gesture Selection Using Depth-Movement Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-contact selection operations in existing systems require a user to maintain an operation object at a fixed position for a predetermined time, leading to longer operation times and increased stress, as well as potential misoperations due to positional errors.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that detects three-dimensional coordinates of an operation object and recognizes object selection based on a predetermined threshold distance of movement in the depth direction, allowing for faster and more accurate non-contact selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If non-contact selection operation requires keeping operation object at same position for predetermined time, then selection accuracy is improved, but operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselection accuracyVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional non-contact selection logic by detecting depth direction movement (approaching or receding) as the selection trigger instead of requiring positional stability. When the operation object moves the operation target in the depth direction by a predetermined threshold, the system determines selection, eliminating the need for time-based holding operations and significantly reducing operation time while maintaining selection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from positional stability (2D plane position) to depth direction movement (3D Z-axis displacement). By monitoring changes in the depth coordinate rather than requiring the object to remain stationary, the system enables faster selection operations while preserving accuracy through precise depth threshold detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If non-contact selection requires prolonged hovering, then misoperation is reduced, but user stress increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemisoperation reductionVSAvoiduser stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the selection trigger from positional stability to active movement in the depth direction. This natural movement-based trigger reduces user stress by allowing intuitive approaching/receding gestures rather than requiring unnatural hovering, while the predetermined threshold mechanism prevents misoperations by ensuring deliberate movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a static selection criterion (holding position) to a dynamic one (detecting movement). By utilizing the natural dynamic action of approaching or receding the operation object, the system reduces user stress while maintaining reliability through threshold-based movement detection that filters out accidental gestures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If non-contact operation uses depth direction movement detection, then operation speed is improved, but detection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation speedVSAvoiddetection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the depth direction (Z-axis) as an additional dimension for selection detection, moving beyond traditional 2D plane positioning. By detecting movement in this third dimension, the system enables faster operation while the threshold-based processing keeps detection complexity manageable through straightforward coordinate comparison

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If non-contact selection reduces hovering time, then productivity is improved, but positional accuracy may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselection speedVSAvoidpositional accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the approach by using movement detection rather than position holding, achieving both fast operation and high accuracy. The predetermined threshold acts as a precision filter, ensuring that only deliberate movements trigger selection, thus maintaining positional accuracy while enabling rapid operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback by displaying the operation target at the detected position of the operation object, allowing real-time position verification. This feedback mechanism ensures positional accuracy is maintained even with reduced hovering time, as users can visually confirm the target selection before the depth movement trigger occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12602126B2Information processing apparatus, non-transitory computer readable medium, and information processing method for non-contact gesture-based selection

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes: a processor configured to: acquire a three-dimensional coordinate at which an operation object is detected, the operation object being in an operation space where operation for contactlessly selecting a displayed object is performed; and in response to detecting moving of the three-dimensional coordinate of the detected operation object, the three-dimensional coordinate being moved by a predetermined threshold distance or longer from a predetermined reference position in a depth direction, regard the moving as operation for selecting the object and execute a process for the operation.