Multi-Sensor Gesture Control for Printing Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current machine control systems in the graphics industry lack effective gesture recognition capabilities, especially in dynamic environments where operators move around, limiting the practicality of gesture control for machines like printing presses.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a control station equipped with multiple sensors, including cameras and capacitive sensors, to detect and process gestures from various angles, allowing for reliable gesture recognition and control, even when operators move or bend, and enabling eye-tracking for focused information display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single sensor is used for gesture detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of gesture recognition deteriorates when operators move or bend

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of sensorsVSAvoidgesture recognition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The gesture detection system is segmented into multiple sensors positioned at different locations (upper area and lower area of control stand) to capture gestures from various angles, ensuring reliable detection regardless of operator position or orientation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from single-point detection to multi-dimensional detection by adding sensors at different spatial positions and orientations, creating a three-dimensional detection network that captures gestures from multiple perspectives simultaneously

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

2Area of stationary object

If sensors are positioned high to detect gestures from above, then the detection coverage is improved, but the ability to detect gestures when operator bends forward deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverage areaVSAvoidgesture detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is divided into two functional segments: upper area sensors for detecting gestures when operator is upright, and lower area sensors for detecting gestures when operator bends forward, ensuring comprehensive coverage without blind spots

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the control stand are equipped with sensors optimized for their specific detection needs - the upper area has sensors positioned for vertical detection, while the lower area has sensors positioned for horizontal detection when the operator bends forward

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If multiple sensors are added to detect gestures from various angles, then the gesture recognition reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegesture recognition accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control stand structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, houses the control electronics, and integrates the multi-sensor detection system, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high gesture recognition reliability

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

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 seamless gesture-controlled operation of machines and color measuring devices, allowing multiple operators to interact with the system conveniently, with accurate recognition of gestures and eye-tracking for relevant information display, enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

a camera (10, 10a, 10b) is provided in order to carry out an image recognition of the operator's hand

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The sensor can work electrostatically or capacitively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2735947B1Gesture control for printing machines
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 HEIDELBERGER DRUCKMASCHINEN AG
  • EP2735947B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2735947B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2735947B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device has a control stand (2) which has an image screen (3) for displaying the machine information, where the control stand is provided with multiple sensors (10,10a,10b) for detecting gestures of an operator which operates a machine (1) over the control stand. The control stand has a support (6) below the image screen for receiving a sheet-shaped printing material. One of the sensors is arranged, so that it identifies the gestures of the operator. The sensors are formed as cameras. The control stand has a computer (7).