3D Image Control Using Virtual Tool Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inconsistencies between the user object's location and the 3D image being displayed can obstruct the stereoscopic effect, making it difficult to control 3D images naturally.

Innovation Solution

A 3D image control apparatus using a virtual tool system that detects user objects and displays corresponding virtual tools around the 3D image, ensuring the user object does not obstruct the view and maintaining the stereoscopic effect by determining the appropriate virtual tool based on user object movement and spatial coordinates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the user object approaches the screen to control the 3D image, then the control precision is improved, but the user object obstructs the view of the 3D image

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidview obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to capture images of the user object and transmit this information to the controller. The controller then uses image processing to determine the user object's position and control the 3D image accordingly. This mediator approach allows the user to control the 3D image from a distance without needing to approach the screen, thus maintaining both control precision and an unobstructed view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the user object is disposed between the eye and the 3D image, then the control capability is improved, but the stereoscopic effect is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidstereoscopic effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically positioning the user object between the eye and screen with an optical/image processing approach. The camera captures the user object's position and the controller uses this information to adjust the 3D image display. This substitution eliminates the need for the user object to be in the line of sight, preserving the stereoscopic effect while maintaining control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If virtual tools are displayed around the 3D image, then the control interface is improved, but the display area for the 3D image is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol interfaceVSAvoiddisplay area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions virtual tools around the periphery of the 3D image display area, utilizing the border regions that would otherwise be unused. The camera detects user objects in these peripheral areas, and the controller interprets gestures in these regions as control commands. This dimensional placement allows the control interface to coexist with the 3D image display without significantly reducing the central display area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9207756B2Apparatus and method for controlling 3D image

Publication Date: 2015.12.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus and method for controlling a 3-dimensional (3D) image using a virtual tool are provided. The apparatus may detect a user object that controls the 3D image, and determine a target virtual tool matching movement of the user object. In addition, the apparatus may display the determined target virtual tool along with the 3D image.