3D Space Touch Apparatus Using Infrared Cameras
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch screens are limited to two-dimensional interfaces, preventing the implementation of virtual 3D touch screens that allow user input in free space away from the display.
Innovation Solution
A 3D space touch apparatus utilizing an infrared LED array and multiple infrared cameras to calculate X-, Y-, and Z-axis coordinates of a touch location in free space, enabling user input beyond the confines of a 2D screen through image processing and pulse-driven LED operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional 2D touch panel is attached to a monitor screen, then touch input can be sensed on the screen surface, but it is impossible to implement a virtual 3D touch screen that enables free space touch away from the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a 2D touch panel attached to the monitor surface to a 3D space touch system using multiple infrared cameras positioned at different locations. The cameras capture images from multiple angles, and through coordinate transformation algorithms, the system calculates three-dimensional touch coordinates (x, y, z) in free space above the monitor, enabling spatial interaction beyond the screen surface.
2Measurement precision
If multiple infrared cameras are used to capture images from different angles, then 3D touch location can be calculated in free space, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coordinate transformation process that bridges the two-dimensional image coordinates from multiple cameras and the three-dimensional touch location in free space. The control unit performs mathematical transformations on the image coordinates, using known camera positions and angles, to calculate the precise 3D touch coordinates, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables realistic and interactive user interfaces by allowing users to input commands in three-dimensional space, enhancing user experience and convenience by providing depth information for more versatile interactions.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared LED array for emitting infrared rays and then forming an infrared screen in a space above the support
Implementation Method 2
the left and right infrared cameras disposed on the left and right sides of the support so that the lenses thereof can be oriented to the infrared screen
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a 3D space touch apparatus. The 3D space touch apparatus includes a support, an infrared LED array, left and right infrared cameras, and a space touch sensor module. The support supports the infrared LED array and the left and right infrared cameras. The infrared LED array emits infrared rays, which form an infrared screen in a space above the support. The left and right infrared cameras are disposed on the left and right sides of the support so that the lenses thereof can be oriented to the infrared screen. The space touch sensor module calculates the X-, Y- and Z-axis coordinates of a location of the infrared screen, touched by user pointing means, using images captured by the left and right infrared cameras and information about the resolutions and angles of view of the left and right infrared cameras.