Noncontact Gesture Detection with Aerial Visual Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional noncontact operation detecting devices are difficult for users to recognize the positions in space where gesture operations should be performed, leading to incorrect gesture recognition.
Innovation Solution
A noncontact operation detecting device that includes a detecting means to identify the presence of objects at set points, an operation decision section to determine gesture performance, and an aerial image displaying device using a light source, retroreflecting member, and light splitting member to visually display the locations of the points, allowing users to perform gestures correctly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional noncontact operation detecting devices are used without visual indicators, then the device structure remains simple, but users cannot recognize the correct positions for gesture operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an aerial image displaying device as an intermediary component that projects visual indicators of the observation points into the space. This mediator bridges the gap between the invisible detection points and the user's visual perception, allowing users to see where to perform gestures without complicating the core detection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerial image displaying device creates a visual copy or representation of the observation points in the form of projected images in space. These images replicate the position and arrangement of the actual detection points, providing users with a visual map of where to perform gestures without requiring physical markers or complex mechanical indicators.
2Ease of operation
If the locations of observation points are not visually displayed, then the device is easier to manufacture, but users perform gestures at incorrect positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces potential mechanical or physical indication systems with an optical projection system. Instead of using mechanical markers, physical displays, or complex assembly of visual indicators, the system uses light projection to create aerial images that indicate observation points, simplifying the manufacturing process while improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If an aerial image displaying device is added to show observation points, then users can easily recognize correct positions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aerial image displaying device serves multiple functions: it indicates observation points, guides user gestures, and can potentially provide feedback on detection status. By consolidating these functions into a single projection system, the patent reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate systems for each function, while maintaining high reliability in gesture recognition.
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
The device enables users to easily recognize the correct positions for gesture operations, preventing misrecognition and enhancing user experience by providing a visual representation of the points to be observed.
Implementation Method 1
a retroreflecting member to retroreflect light incident thereon
Implementation Method 2
a light splitting member to allow at least one part of light emitted from the light source to be reflected and incident on the retroreflecting member
Implementation Method 3
at least one part of the light incident thereon retroreflected by the retroreflecting member to be transmitted
Implementation Method 4
The detecting means includes a photodiode, which is provided in the light source to detect light having returned from the plurality of points to be observed
Data Source
AI summary
A noncontact operation detecting device includes a detecting means configured to be able to detect whether or not an object is present at each of a plurality of points to be observed, which are set in a space, an operation decision section configured to determine, on the basis of a detection result detected by the detecting means, whether or not a gesture operation has been performed, and an aerial image displaying device configured to be able to display an aerial image showing locations of the plurality of points to be observed, in the space.