Non-Contact Gesture Control System for Hazardous Environments

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for controlling machines and devices require physical interaction through mechanical elements like joysticks or steering wheels, which can be ergonomically hazardous and limit operator flexibility, especially in remote or hazardous environments.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact sensing device that uses a combination of cameras, thermal sensors, and a processor to detect hand gestures, generating control signals for remote apparatuses, allowing for gesture-based control of devices without physical contact, such as drones or gaming consoles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical elements like joysticks or steering wheels are used for control, then the device can be operated with direct physical feedback, but the operator experiences ergonomic hazards and reduced flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidoperator ergonomics

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical control elements (joysticks, steering wheels) with an optical sensing system that detects hand gestures in 3D space. Cameras capture hand position and movement, and a processor translates these gestures into control commands, eliminating the need for physical contact with mechanical controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary optical field between the operator and the controlled device. Hand gestures are captured through camera detection of hand position and movement in 3D space, serving as a mediator that translates natural human motion into precise control commands without mechanical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical control elements are used, then direct physical interaction is possible, but operator flexibility is limited especially in remote or hazardous environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical control elements (joysticks, steering wheels) with an optical sensing system that detects hand gestures in 3D space. Cameras capture hand position and movement, and a processor translates these gestures into control commands, eliminating the need for physical contact with mechanical controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The gesture recognition system serves multiple functions: it controls device movement, selects operational modes, and interfaces with display systems, all through natural hand gestures. This universal control method adapts to various device types and operational contexts without requiring different mechanical controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If hand gesture detection is implemented, then non-contact control is achieved, but the sensing device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol accessibilityVSAvoidsensing device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical control elements (joysticks, steering wheels) with an optical sensing system that detects hand gestures in 3D space. Cameras capture hand position and movement, and a processor translates these gestures into control commands, eliminating the need for physical contact with mechanical controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 ergonomic and flexible control of devices by converting hand gestures into command signals, reducing physical strain and allowing for intuitive operation of various apparatuses, including those in hazardous environments.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor is constructed and arranged as an emissive mode sensor comprising a thermal sensor that collects thermal radiation emitted from the hand gesture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

The sensor is constructed and arranged as a reflective mode sensor comprising a color sensor that collects color light reflected from the hand gesture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

one or more cameras that recognize the hand gesture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage capture: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS9423879B2Systems and methods for controlling device operation according to hand gestures

Publication Date: 2016.08.23 CHEN CHIA MING

AI summary

Provided is a non-contact sensing device that comprises a sensor comprising a plurality of function key sensors. A function key sensor of the plurality of function key sensors has a field of view. The function key sensor is constructed and arranged to detect a hand gesture at the field of view and to generate a function key control signal in response to detecting the hand gesture at the field of view. A processor processes the function key control signal from the function key sensor and outputs a command to a remote apparatus in response to the processed control signal.