Compact Interactive Tabletop Using Shadow-Based Touch Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interactive surface systems for computing, such as those using projection and vision technologies, face challenges in variety of sensing capabilities, ease of installation, calibration, and usability, making them less accessible to mainstream consumers.
Innovation Solution
A compact, self-contained front-projected computer vision-based interactive table system that integrates a projector and cameras with computing resources, allowing for easy setup on any flat surface without calibration, using shadow-based touch detection, visual bar code schemes, and optical flow-based algorithms for object manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional projection systems are used, then large display surface is achieved, but system complexity and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the projector, cameras, computing resources (CPU and storage), and other components into a single integrated device. This merging of previously separate system components into one self-contained unit reduces system complexity while maintaining the capability to project onto large surfaces and sense user interactions.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional projection systems are used, then large display surface is achieved, but installation and calibration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs calibration automatically upon initialization without requiring manual intervention. The integrated device self-calibrates the projection and sensing systems, eliminating the need for users to perform complex calibration procedures during installation or when moving the device to different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is self-contained and self-calibrating, requiring no external calibration equipment or manual adjustment. The integrated design allows the device to automatically configure itself when placed on any flat surface, making installation trivial for users.
3Ease of operation
If integrated compact design is used, then portability and ease of installation improve, but sensing capabilities may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device incorporates multiple sensing capabilities including cameras for visual input, projection for display, and computing resources for processing. This multi-functional design allows a single compact device to perform sensing, display, and interaction functions that would traditionally require separate systems.
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 quick and portable setup on various surfaces, minimizing calibration needs and occlusion issues, while providing robust sensing and display capabilities, enhancing consumer acceptance and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a front-projected computer vision-based interactive table system that uses a new commercially available projection technology
Implementation Method 2
uses a new commercially available projection technology to obtain a compact, self-contained form factor. The subject configuration addresses installation, calibration, and portability issues
Implementation Method 3
These techniques include a shadow-based touch detection algorithm
Data Source
AI summary
The subject application relates to a system(s) and/or methodology that facilitate vision-based projection of any image (still or moving) onto any surface. In particular, a front-projected computer vision-based interactive surface system is provided which uses a new commercially available projection technology to obtain a compact, self-contained form factor. The subject configuration addresses installation, calibration, and portability issues that are primary concerns in most vision-based table systems.