EMG Gesture Recognition on Surfaces for Discreet AR Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional AR systems using hand gestures for interaction are not suitable for private or semi-private settings as they draw attention and lack subtlety, necessitating a more discreet method for gesture recognition.

Innovation Solution

A gesture recognition system utilizing electromyography (EMG) sensors and motion sensors to detect subtle gestures on surfaces, including proximity detection and EMG signal analysis to differentiate between contact and motion, allowing for precise and private gesture recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If broad hand gestures are used for AR interaction, then gesture recognition is achieved, but user privacy and subtlety are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegesture recognitionVSAvoiduser privacy and subtlety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical gesture detection systems with an electromyographic (EMG) sensing system. EMG sensors detect electrical signals from muscle contractions, enabling gesture recognition through subtle finger movements rather than broad hand gestures, thus maintaining privacy and subtlety while achieving accurate gesture recognition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from broad spatial motion (hand gestures) to fine-grained physiological signals (EMG muscle activity). By detecting electrical activity patterns from muscle contractions in the finger region, the system achieves precise gesture recognition through subtle movements, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and user privacy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If EMG sensors are used for subtle gesture detection, then gesture subtlety and privacy are improved, but measurement precision and reliability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegesture subtlety and privacyVSAvoidgesture detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors EMG signals and provides feedback to distinguish between intentional gestures and incidental movements. The processor analyzes EMG signal patterns, muscle activity duration, and intensity to confirm gesture intent, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining subtlety and privacy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a multi-functional sensing approach where EMG sensors serve multiple purposes: detecting gesture intent, measuring muscle activity intensity, and distinguishing between deliberate gestures and incidental movements. This universal sensing capability enhances measurement precision while preserving gesture subtlety and user privacy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 discreet and accurate recognition of gestures on surfaces, reducing false detections and allowing for nuanced control of AR devices without drawing attention, enhancing user privacy and interaction subtlety.

Implementation Method 1

determines if electrical activity sensed from the body part is indicative of contact between the body part and the surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromyography (EMG):

Implementation Method 2

determines if motion activity sensed from the body part is indicative of the gesture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotion detection:

Data Source

PatentEP2943855B1Use of EMG for gesture recognition on surfaces
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2943855B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2943855B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2943855B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus, a method, and a computer program product for detecting a gesture of a body part relative to a surface are provided. The apparatus determines if the body part is in proximity of the surface. If the body part is in proximity of the surface, the apparatus determines if electrical activity sensed from the body part is indicative of contact between the body part and the surface. If the body part is in contact with the surface, the apparatus determines if motion activity sensed from the body part is indicative of the gesture.