Gesture Control Mapping via Distance Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing human gesture recognition systems for controlling parameters lack ease, security, and precision in controlling control elements, especially in 3D depth-camera based natural user interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that determine the distance between a human body part and a reference to establish a transformation relation between gesture movements and control parameter changes, dynamically modifying this relation based on the distance for precise and secure control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed transformation relation is used between gesture movement and control parameter change, then the control system is simple to implement, but the control precision and adaptability deteriorate when user distance varies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transformation relation between gesture movement and control parameter change is made dynamic by adjusting it according to the detected distance between the user and the reference object. The control unit modifies the transformation relation based on distance information, allowing the system to adapt to different user positions and maintain control precision without requiring a fixed, overly complex calibration system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the transformation parameter based on the detected distance. When the user moves closer to or farther from the reference object, the transformation relation is adjusted accordingly, enabling precise control adaptation without redesigning the entire control system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If distance-based transformation modification is implemented, then control adaptability and precision improve, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol adaptabilityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting distance information, recognizing gestures, and dynamically adjusting the transformation relation. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different user distances and gesture types without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while enhancing adaptability.

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

3Ease of operation

If 3D depth cameras are used for gesture recognition, then natural user interface capability improves, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface naturalnessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The 3D depth camera acts as an intermediary device that captures distance and gesture information without requiring physical contact between the user and the reference object. This intermediary approach enables natural gesture-based control while avoiding the complexity of direct mechanical interaction systems, providing an intuitive interface that simplifies user operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 easier, faster, and more secure control of parameters with fine adjustments, allowing both coarse and fine changes without physically touching control elements, enhancing user interaction with control elements like sliders.

Implementation Method 1

Three dimensional (3D) Depth-Cameras which are for example based on the ToF principle (time-of-flight principle)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS9141198B2Control of a control parameter by gesture recognition
Publication Date: 2015.09.22 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • US9141198B2 patent drawing
  • US9141198B2 patent drawing
  • US9141198B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for controlling at least one control parameter of a control element comprises determining first information indicating a distance between a part of a human body and a reference. Based on the first information, determining second information indicating a transformation relation between a gesture movement of the part of the human body and an effected change of the control parameter by the gesture movement. The transformation relation is modified based on a change of the distance between the human body and the reference.