Free Space Gesture Control Using Predictive 3D Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion capture systems are costly, cumbersome, and often operate non-real-time due to the need for markers or sensors on subjects and the use of multiple cameras.
Innovation Solution
The development of a method that interprets a control object's position and motion in three-dimensional space using image analysis, allowing for real-time control and communication without the need for attached sensors or markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motion capture systems use markers or sensors on subjects and multiple cameras, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the need for physical markers and sensors from the motion capture system. Instead of requiring subjects to wear markers or sensors, the system uses image analysis of natural body appearance to extract motion information, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual 3D model (copy) of the control object that replicates its appearance and motion characteristics. This digital copy is then tracked through image analysis, eliminating the need for physical markers while preserving measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If motion capture systems use multiple cameras and markers, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for subjects to wear markers or sensors, allowing natural body motion to be captured. This extraction of artificial elements makes the system much easier to operate as subjects can perform natural gestures without being encumbered by equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The control object itself serves as the source of tracking information through its natural appearance and motion. The system analyzes images of the object as it naturally moves, eliminating the need for external markers or sensors and greatly simplifying operation
3Productivity
If motion capture systems process data from multiple cameras in real-time, then productivity is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need to process data from multiple simultaneous camera feeds. By using a single or reduced number of cameras and analyzing natural appearance features, the system reduces computational load and energy consumption while maintaining real-time processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by focusing computational resources on analyzing only the necessary visual features for motion capture, rather than processing all data from multiple cameras. This selective approach reduces energy consumption while maintaining productivity
Data Source
AI summary
Free space machine interface and control can be facilitated by predictive entities useful in interpreting a control object's position and/or motion (including objects having one or more articulating members, i.e., humans and/or animals and/or machines). Predictive entities can be driven using motion information captured using image information or the equivalents. Predictive information can be improved applying techniques for correlating with information from observations.