Camera-Based Hand Gesture Input with Physical Object Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-gesture input methods for information processing devices cause user fatigue and increased error rates due to the lack of support for the hand and differences in operation feel compared to traditional pointing devices, and lack criteria for active/idle states of mouse functions.
Innovation Solution
An input apparatus and method that uses a camera to detect hand contact with a predetermined object, analyzing its movement and hand motion to emulate pointing device operations, such as mouse clicks and cursor movement, thereby improving ease of use and reducing operator errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hand-gesture input methods are used to replace traditional pointing devices, then the input interface becomes more innovative and versatile, but user fatigue increases and error rates increase due to lack of hand support and different operation feel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary object that the user's hand contacts during operation. This object serves as a mediator between the hand gesture and the input device, providing tactile feedback and support. The camera detects both the object and hand contact to recognize valid input gestures, thereby reducing user fatigue and errors while maintaining input versatility.
2Device complexity
If hand-gesture input methods are used without traditional pointing devices, then the system becomes more simplified, but reliability decreases due to lack of criteria for active/idle states of mouse functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera continuously monitors for hand contact with the object. This contact detection provides clear feedback to the system about whether the user intends to perform input operations, thereby reliably determining active versus idle states without requiring traditional pointing devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If camera-based hand gesture recognition is implemented, then the input method becomes more flexible, but measurement precision decreases due to difficulty in detecting exact contact points and gestures
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing a physical object as an intermediary, the camera can more accurately detect hand contact through the object's visual characteristics and movement. The object acts as a reference point that enhances the precision of contact detection while maintaining the flexibility of gesture-based input.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides a method, including: capturing, using a camera, an image of an object in contact with a hand of a user; determining, using a processor, that the hand of the user contacts the object; thereafter capturing, using the camera, controlling gesture input; detecting, within the controlling gesture input, a gesture that emulates use of a pointing device; and controlling an application running on an information handling device based on the controlling gesture input. Other aspects are described and claimed.