Free-Space Gesture Input for Existing Touch Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input methods, such as touch screens, are limited to two-dimensional surfaces and may cause contamination or damage, and existing devices often fail to recognize and respond to free space gestures effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implement a free space input standard using sensors to detect gestures and postures in three-dimensional space, translating them into surface-constrained inputs through imaging and depth imaging, and using a processor to invoke appropriate responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If touch screen input is used, then input can be delivered through physical contact on a surface, but the input is limited to two dimensional surface and may cause contamination or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends input from 2D surface constraints to 3D free space by introducing depth imaging sensors that capture z-coordinate information. Hand gestures are tracked in three-dimensional space, allowing users to interact with the device without contacting the screen surface, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and input dimensionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that translates free space gestures into surface-constrained input commands. The processor interprets 3D gesture data and converts it into equivalent 2D touch screen commands, enabling compatibility with existing surface-based input systems while allowing 3D gesture input.
2Adaptability or versatility
If free space gestures are implemented, then input dimensionality is improved, but existing devices fail to recognize and respond effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the input system universal by enabling it to process both traditional 2D touch inputs and new 3D gesture inputs through a unified processor framework. The same processing architecture handles both surface contact and free space gestures, allowing existing devices to gain enhanced functionality without requiring completely separate recognition systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the touch screen surface in 3D space by mapping gesture coordinates to corresponding screen positions. Depth imaging data is processed to generate virtual touch events that replicate the behavior of physical contact, allowing existing 2D input handlers to process 3D gestures without modification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If free space input standard is established, then compatibility with existing systems is maintained, but new gesture recognition capability is added
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the processor continuously monitors gesture data and provides corrective adjustments. Depth imaging sensors provide real-time feedback on hand position and movement, allowing the system to refine gesture recognition accuracy and distinguish intentional gestures from accidental movements, thereby maintaining reliability while adding new capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A free space input standard is instantiated on a processor. Free space input is sensed and communicated to the processor. If the free space input satisfies the free space input standard, a touch screen input response is invoked in an operating system. The free space input may be sensed using continuous implicit, discrete implicit, active explicit, or passive explicit approaches. The touch screen input response may be invoked through communicating virtual touch screen input, a virtual input event, or a virtual command to or within the operating system. in this manner free space gestures may control existing touch screen interfaces and devices, without modifying those interfaces and devices directly to accept free space gestures.