Gesture Control for Household Appliances Using Pyramidal Detection Zone

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing domestic appliance control systems face challenges in accurately distinguishing user gestures from noise and complexity in remote control due to imprecise hand movements and proximity of similar gestures, leading to unwanted control activations.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a human-machine interface that detects and compares hand gestures within a predefined pyramidal detection zone, incorporating spatial and temporal components, to deliver precise control instructions based on predetermined sequences, minimizing noise interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If contactless input unit is used to detect hand trajectories, then user can control appliance without touching it, but false detections from noise or unintended gestures increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontactless controlVSAvoidgesture detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection space is segmented into a specific pyramidal zone with defined spatial boundaries (base 20-40cm x 20-40cm at 30-70cm distance, vertex at the interface). This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between intentional gestures within the zone and noise from outside the zone, resolving the contradiction between contactless operation and detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds spatial dimension constraints by defining a pyramidal detection zone with specific dimensions and orientation (base centered on normal to interface, apex at interface). This dimensional approach transforms the detection problem from simple trajectory recognition to spatially-constrained gesture recognition, improving reliability while maintaining contactless operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple similar trajectories are programmed to generate different signals, then control functionality is enhanced, but complexity of comparing and distinguishing trajectories increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidtrajectory comparison complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions within the pyramidal detection zone are assigned different functions or meanings. For example, gestures at different positions (closer to base vs. closer to apex), different orientations, or different depths within the pyramid can trigger different control signals. This local differentiation allows multiple functions from similar gestures while keeping the comparison logic manageable through spatial discrimination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4575728A1Method for controlling a household appliance
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 GRP BRANDT
  • EP4575728A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4575728A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4575728A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (100) for controlling a household appliance (9) by means of a human-machine interface (90) adapted to control said household appliance (9) in response to a gesture performed by at least one hand of a user, said method comprising the following steps: - detection (101) of a gesture performed by said at least one hand, said gesture being composed of at least one movement performed in at least a given time; - if said detected gesture is performed in a predefined detection zone (8) located at a distance from said human-machine interface (90), comparison (102) of said detected gesture with a set of predetermined sequences, each of said predetermined sequences comprising at least one predetermined movement to be performed in a predetermined period of time, each of said predetermined sequences corresponding respectively to a control instruction of said household appliance (9);and - if said detected gesture corresponds to one of said predetermined sequences, delivery (103) of an instruction to control said household appliance corresponding respectively to said predetermined sequence.;