Image Display Apparatus Gesture Recognition Modulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted image display apparatuses are bulky and expensive due to the use of TOF sensors, structured light sensors, or stereo cameras for gesture recognition, which increases the size and load on the user.
Innovation Solution
An image display apparatus with a modulator having a pattern that modulates light intensity, a gesture detecting unit to restore images, and a gesture recognizing unit to specify user gestures, integrated with an image display unit, reducing the need for bulky sensors and optimizing the design for a smaller form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If TOF sensor, structured light sensor, or stereo camera is used for gesture recognition, then gesture recognition capability is improved, but apparatus size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source function and distance measurement function into a single integrated structure. The light source unit emits light that passes through the modulator to the image sensor, merging what would traditionally be separate TOF sensor components into one compact unit, thereby reducing overall apparatus size while maintaining gesture recognition capability
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor serves multiple functions: it acts as both the light receiving element for capturing images and as the distance measurement sensor for gesture recognition. By using the same image sensor for both imaging and depth measurement, the patent eliminates the need for separate bulky sensors, thus reducing apparatus weight while preserving gesture recognition functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If TOF sensor, structured light sensor, or stereo camera is used for gesture recognition, then gesture recognition capability is improved, but apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source unit and modulator are integrated into a single compact assembly that works in conjunction with the image sensor. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate distance measurement sensor units, significantly reducing the volume occupied by gesture recognition subsystems while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a patterned modulator that creates virtual depth information through light modulation rather than requiring physical three-dimensional sensor arrays. The pattern information is encoded in the light itself, allowing depth measurement without bulky hardware, thus reducing apparatus volume
3Area of stationary object
If wide angle lens or fisheye lens is used to optimize visual field area, then visual field coverage is improved, but apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves wide field of view by changing the optical parameters through software processing rather than using specialized wide-angle or fisheye lenses. By processing the captured image data to expand the perceived visual field, the system achieves wide coverage without the bulk associated with specialized optical lenses
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
The solution reduces the load on the user by minimizing the size and weight of the apparatus while maintaining effective gesture recognition and image display functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a modulator provided on a light receiving surface of the image sensor, the modulator having a first pattern that includes a plurality of patterns different from each other, the modulator being configured to modulate intensity of light
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor configured to convert an optical image into an image signal and output the converted image signal
Data Source
AI summary
A modulator of a distance measuring sensor unit 102 has a photographing pattern that includes a plurality of patterns different from each other, and modulates intensity of light. A gesture detecting unit divides image data obtained by receiving light transmitted through the modulator by the image sensor; restores an image by calculation based on a developing pattern corresponding to the photographing pattern in a divided unit; and obtains an image for detecting gesture of a user. This makes it possible to obtain an image of an object in an outside world without using a lens for forming an image. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a load on a user when the user wears the apparatus.