Head-Mounted Computer Gesture Control via Optical Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current man-machine interfaces for computers and handheld devices rely on physical input devices like keyboards, mice, or touch panels, which lack privacy in user interactions, as the input operations are visible to others.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted personal computer system with a microprocessing unit, output unit, and image capture unit that projects optical images onto space, allowing users to control the device with gestures and voice recognition, enabling private interactions through virtual or real optical images, and facilitating wireless communication between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical input devices such as keyboards, mice, or touch panels are used, then the computer can be controlled effectively, but the user's input operations become visible to others, losing privacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical input devices (keyboards, mice, touch panels) with a projection-based optical interaction system. The computer projects an optical image onto a surface, and the user interacts through gestures captured by an image capture unit, eliminating the need for physical contact devices and thereby protecting input privacy while maintaining control effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a projection screen (optical image) as an intermediary between the user and the computer system. Instead of direct physical input devices, the user interacts with the projected optical image, which serves as a mediator that protects the user's input operations from being directly observed while still enabling effective control
2Loss of information
If a projection-based interface is used to protect privacy, then input operations become private, but the system complexity increases due to additional components like projectors and image capture units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into unified components: the projection unit serves both as the display interface and the reference for gesture recognition, while the image capture unit performs both gesture detection and distance measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining privacy protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the projection function and the interaction detection function into a coordinated system where the optical image projection and gesture capture work as an integrated pair. The projection unit and image capture unit are combined into a unified interaction system, reducing overall system complexity compared to having completely separate input and display systems
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 private and intuitive user interactions without physical input devices, allowing for both public and private use scenarios, and allows for seamless communication and operation between multiple head-mounted personal computers.
Implementation Method 1
The output unit is coupled to and controlled by the microprocessing unit, and configured to project an optical image onto a space
Implementation Method 2
The image capture unit is coupled to and controlled by the microprocessing unit, and configured to capture operation gestures on the projected optical image with a distance detection function
Data Source
AI summary
A head mount personal computer (HMPC) and an interactive system using the same are provided. The provided HMPC includes a microprocessing unit, an output unit and an image capture unit with a distance detection function (ICWDD). The microprocessing unit is served as an operation core of the HMPC. The output unit is coupled to and controlled by the microprocessing unit, and configured to project an optical image onto a space. The ICWDD is coupled to and controlled by the microprocessing unit, and configured to capture operation gestures on the projected optical image from a user wearing the HMPC, such that the microprocessing unit correspondingly controls operations of the HMPC in response to the operation gestures on the projected optical image from the user.