Holographic Input Interface With Surface-Free Optical Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holographic input devices require a surface for image projection and complex optical systems, limiting their portability and user interaction simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A method for recording a hologram of an input device and one or more actuator positions on a holographic support, allowing direct interaction with the holographic representation by generating and detecting a reference beam when a real actuator is placed in a corresponding position, using a simple optical setup without the need for volumetric sensors or Fourier transform devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a surface is used for image projection in holographic input systems, then the holographic image can be displayed, but the system requires additional physical space and surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the requirement for a physical projection surface by using a holographic optical element that generates the holographic image in free space. The HOE directly creates the holographic representation without needing to project onto a plane or surface, thereby eliminating the need for additional physical space while maintaining image display capability.
2Ease of operation
If optical detection methods are used to detect actuator position, then contactless interaction is achieved, but the system complexity increases with additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the holographic display function and the optical detection function into a single integrated system. The same holographic optical element used to generate the holographic image also serves as the detection medium for position sensing. This combination eliminates the need for separate projection surfaces and detection systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining contactless interaction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The holographic optical element performs multiple functions: it generates the holographic image for display and simultaneously acts as the detection medium for position sensing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system, thereby reducing complexity while enabling contactless interaction.
3Ease of operation
If holograms are prerecorded on a holographic support, then interaction with holographic representation is simplified, but the system requires specialized holographic recording equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses prerecorded holograms on a holographic support that contain pre-encoded interaction data. The holographic optical element is manufactured in advance with the holographic pattern already recorded, allowing the final system to simply reproduce and interact with the pre-encoded information. This preliminary recording action simplifies the operation of the final device while the recording process itself can be performed using standard holographic recording techniques.
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 a portable and user-friendly holographic input system with direct interaction, reducing the complexity of optical systems and sensor requirements, allowing for efficient command input through a holographic interface.
Implementation Method 1
generating a virtual image of an input device by illuminating a hologram of said input device by means of a corresponding reference beam
Implementation Method 2
illuminating said at last one actuator with a beam in order to obtain scattering into a corresponding object beam
Data Source
AI summary
A method for inputting commands to a holographic input system, includes the steps of generating a virtual image of an input device by illuminating a hologram of the input device by means of a corresponding reference beam, the hologram being prerecorded on a holographic support; optically detecting a position of at least one actuator for operating the input device with respect to the virtual image of the input device; and issuing at least one command signal corresponding to the position of that at least one actuator as optically detected. The optical detection operation further includes providing at least one actuation hologram corresponding to the at least one actuator being placed at a specified position with respect to the virtual image of the input device, illuminating the at least one actuator with a beam, in order to obtain scattering into a corresponding object beam interacting with one actuation hologram through the corresponding object beam; generating a respective actuation detection beam through the interaction; and detecting the respective actuation detection beam to issue the command signal.