Hand Gesture Control for Cleaning Devices via Camera Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices require complex gesture recognition systems that are not intuitive for users, often necessitating the memorization of specific gestures to operate components like doors and baskets, which can be physically demanding and prone to incorrect operation.
Innovation Solution
An operating device equipped with interior and exterior cameras that read camera signals to recognize user hand movements against defined backgrounds, allowing for automated control of device components such as doors and baskets without the need for memorized gestures, using a classifier to interpret optical patterns and generate control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If complex gesture recognition systems are used to operate cleaning devices, then automated control of device components is achieved, but the system becomes difficult to operate intuitively and requires memorization of specific gestures
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects and interprets natural hand gestures without requiring user programming or memorization. The classifier autonomously processes camera signals to identify gesture patterns and converts them into appropriate control commands for device components, making the system self-serve the user's intuitive intentions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical gesture recognition systems with an optical-based camera and image classification system. Instead of requiring physical interaction with buttons or memorized mechanical gestures, the system uses optical patterns captured by cameras and processed through a classifier to achieve automated control.
2Measurement precision
If specific gestures are required to operate device components, then precise control is achieved, but the risk of incorrect operation increases and physical exertion is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback through the camera system to confirm gesture detection and interpretation. The classifier analyzes the optical patterns and provides feedback signals that confirm correct gesture recognition, reducing the risk of incorrect operation by allowing users to verify that their intended gesture was properly detected and interpreted.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter from requiring precise execution of memorized gestures to detecting natural hand movement patterns. By transforming the control interface from gesture-based to pattern-based recognition, the system maintains precise control while reducing the risk of incorrect operation through more intuitive and forgiving input methods.
3Ease of operation
If multiple cameras and classifiers are used to recognize hand movements against defined backgrounds, then intuitive operation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is designed to serve multiple functions: capturing hand gestures for control, monitoring device interior conditions, and providing visual feedback. The classifier is configured to recognize multiple types of gestures and control commands from the same hardware setup, making the system multi-functional and reducing overall complexity despite the advanced capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
The approach presented here relates to an operating device (200) for operating a cleaning device (100) with at least one movable device component (110, 140) and at least one camera (125). The operating device (200) has an input unit (210) and an output unit (215). The input unit (210) is configured to read a camera signal (220) from the camera (125), wherein the camera signal (220) represents an image of a user's hand (225) against a defined background. The output unit (215) is configured to output a control signal (230) for moving the device component (110, 140) of the cleaning device (100), depending on the camera signal (220).