Gesture Recognition Using Dwell Point Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices struggle to accurately capture and interpret motion-based inputs due to limitations such as the rolling shutter effect, especially in low-light conditions or when using simple camera elements, making it difficult to determine precise gestures on consumer devices like smartphones or tablets.
Innovation Solution
The system captures image information using at least one imaging element, analyzing dwell points – stationary or slowly moving features – to identify gestures, which can include multiple points of reference, and utilizes ambient and infrared imaging to differentiate and recognize gestures by comparing relative positions and timing of these points against stored gesture information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional camera elements are used in consumer devices, then device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but motion capture precision deteriorates due to rolling shutter effect and motion blur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and focuses specifically on dwell points (stationary or slowly moving features) from the image sequence, separating them from the problematic motion blur affecting other parts of the image. By isolating and analyzing only these stable features, the system achieves accurate gesture recognition without requiring complex camera hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameter of analysis by examining multiple images over time and identifying features that remain stationary or move slowly (dwell points). This temporal filtering approach transforms the problem from capturing fast motion to identifying stable characteristics across time, enabling precise gesture detection with simple cameras.
2Measurement precision
If the shutter speed is increased to reduce motion blur, then measurement precision improves, but the rolling shutter effect becomes more pronounced causing distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful rolling shutter effect into a beneficial tool by using it to identify dwell points. The rolling shutter's sequential scanning creates distinctive patterns in stationary features across frames, which the system exploits to automatically detect and track dwell points, transforming a distortion problem into a detection advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dwell points as an intermediary element between the camera and gesture recognition. These dwell points serve as stable reference markers that mediate the relationship between the rolling shutter capture and gesture analysis, allowing accurate measurement without being affected by the shutter's distortion of moving objects.
3Measurement precision
If complex motion analysis devices are used to improve gesture recognition accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables consumer devices to perform complex motion analysis themselves by processing image sequences and identifying dwell points through algorithms. Rather than requiring external complex analysis devices, the mobile device's simple camera combined with sophisticated image processing achieves high-precision gesture recognition, making the device self-sufficient.
4Ease of operation
If standard image capture is used in low lighting conditions, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to motion blur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of image sequences to identify dwell points before gesture recognition. By pre-processing the images to extract stable features and their temporal patterns, the system prepares accurate reference data that enables reliable gesture detection even in challenging lighting conditions, maintaining both ease of operation and precision.
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
This approach allows for accurate recognition of gestures without physical contact, even with low-quality imaging elements, by focusing on dwell points and relative positioning, enhancing the ability to provide motion-based input in various environments and lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
captured image information can include at least a portion of the user
Implementation Method 2
utilizes ambient and infrared imaging to differentiate and recognize gestures
Data Source
AI summary
A user can provide input to an electronic device by performing a specific motion or gesture that can be detected by the device. At least one imaging or detection element captures information including the motion or gesture, such that one or more dwell points can be determined in two or three dimensions of space. The dwell points can correspond to any point where the motion pauses for at least a minimum amount of time, such as at an endpoint or a point where the motion significantly changes or reverses direction. The set of dwell points, and the order in which those dwell points occur, can be compared against a set of gestures to attempt to match a gesture associated with a particular input. Such an approach is useful for devices with image capture elements or other components that are not able to accurately capture motion or determine movements, etc.