Head-Pose Lighting Control for Hands-Free Task Illumination

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting systems and motor control operations are often immobile or require manual operation, hindering operators in fields like heavy machinery, medical, and defense from efficiently performing their primary tasks due to limitations in light system technology.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for controlling lighting and motor operations based on head pose estimation, using a motor control processor that tracks an operator's head movements via camera and moves auxiliary devices to mimic these movements, allowing dynamic control of lighting systems without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If lighting systems are manually operated or immobile, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated vision-based system. A camera captures images of the operator's hands, computer vision algorithms detect hand gestures, and a processor automatically translates these gestures into lighting control commands. This substitution eliminates the need for manual operation while maintaining intuitive control, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables operators to control lighting without requiring dedicated hands or attention. By using automatic hand gesture recognition, the lighting system serves itself through the operator's natural movements, freeing the operator to focus on primary tasks. This self-service approach improves ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If lighting systems require manual operation, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated vision-based system. A camera captures images of the operator's hands, computer vision algorithms detect hand gestures, and a processor automatically translates these gestures into lighting control commands. This substitution eliminates the need for manual operation while maintaining intuitive control, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous lighting control without interrupting the operator's workflow. By using automatic hand gesture recognition, the lighting system responds continuously to operator movements, eliminating the need to stop primary tasks for lighting adjustment. This continuity improves productivity while the automated nature of the system prevents proportional increases in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If lighting systems are immobile, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the lighting system from a static, immobile device to a dynamic, adaptive system. The lighting fixtures are mounted on movable platforms or vehicles and can be repositioned and reoriented based on operator needs. Hand gesture recognition enables real-time adjustment of lighting position and orientation, providing adaptability without requiring complex manual control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated vision-based system. A camera captures images of the operator's hands, computer vision algorithms detect hand gestures, and a processor automatically translates these gestures into lighting control commands. This substitution eliminates the need for manual operation while maintaining intuitive control, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20240255951A1System and method of control based on head pose estimation

Publication Date: 2024.08.01 GARRISON AUSTIN

AI summary

A computing device can track an operator's head movements and move a lighting system and/or other motor control operations controlled by one or more auxiliary devices according to the operator's head movements via a motor control processor. The motor control processor can facilitate movement by one or more auxiliary devices by continuously monitoring the operator's head movements via camera and moving the auxiliary devices in a manner that mimics the motion of the operator's head. The auxiliary devices may move the lighting system and/or other motor control system in one or more dimensions. The operator can move the lighting system and illuminate a specific area with a head movement. The lighting system can dynamically direct lighting in the direction that the operator is facing while freeing the operator's hands for a primary task.