Gesture Input Device Zone Image Projection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users cannot recognize the detection area of existing gesture input devices, making it difficult to provide suitable input.

Innovation Solution

A gesture input device equipped with a movement detector and an image projector that forms a zone image in space to indicate the input area, allowing users to recognize where input actions are accepted, and includes a determination unit and assessment result presentation unit to verify input actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a gesture input device uses a detection area without visual indication, then the device structure remains simple, but users cannot recognize where to perform input actions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of detection areaVSAvoidstructure of input device

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A light guide plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the detection area. The light guide plate receives light from the light source and guides it to illuminate the detection area, making the invisible detection area visible to users without requiring complex structural modifications to the sensor itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of modifying the detection area directly, a visual copy or representation of the detection area is created through light illumination. The light guide plate projects light to create a visual indication that copies the shape and position of the detection area, allowing users to see where to input without altering the sensor structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Loss of information

If a light guide plate is added to indicate the detection area, then users can recognize the input area, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of detection areaVSAvoidsize of input device

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The light guide plate is implemented as a thin film or plate structure that can be integrated into the device with minimal volume addition. This thin-film approach provides the necessary light guiding function while keeping the increase in device size to a minimum

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Loss of information

If the detection area is made visible with light, then users can perform accurate input actions, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of detection areaVSAvoidenergy consumption of light source

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The light guide plate uses optical principles (refraction, total internal reflection) to guide and distribute light efficiently throughout the structure. This optical mechanism substitutes for less efficient light distribution methods, reducing energy loss and improving the energy efficiency of the light indication system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 users to accurately recognize and perform input actions by presenting the input location image in space, enhancing the usability of the gesture input device.

Implementation Method 1

a light guide plate which includes a light emitting surface and is configured to direct light entering from the light source so that the light exits from the light emitting surface and forms an image in a space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight guidance: Waveguide (optics)

Data Source

PatentUS10429942B2Gesture input device

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 OMRON CORP

AI summary

An input device includes: a movement detector that detects a user movement; and an image projector that forms a zone image in a space to present a region where the movement detector detects movement; and the image projector includes a first light source; and a first light guide plate which includes a light emitting surface and directs light entering from the first light source so that the light exits from the light emitting surface and forms an image in a space.