Image Matching Pointing System for Projection Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current human-machine interfacing technologies face challenges with pointing precision, ease of use, and operational learning curve, often requiring additional costly components and complex setups.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an image matching-based pointing system that uses a camera within a pointing device to capture and compare images with the original image displayed by a projection device, generating pointing indicators in real time with precision resolution, allowing for more intuitive and native human-machine interaction without the need for additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pointing devices (mouse, trackball, touchscreen) are used, then basic pointing functionality is provided, but pointing precision and ease of use deteriorate due to complex setups and additional costly components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture an image of the display screen, creating a visual copy of the display content. This captured image is then processed to identify the pointing location by comparing it with the original display image, eliminating the need for complex traditional pointing devices and their associated setups
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical pointing devices (mouse, trackball, touchscreen) with an optical system using a camera to capture and process images. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity while improving pointing precision through image-based location detection
2Measurement precision
If image matching-based pointing is implemented, then pointing precision improves to single pixel resolution, but processing complexity increases due to real-time image comparison
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary portion of the image processing pipeline - specifically capturing the display screen image and comparing it to identify the pointing location. By focusing only on the essential image matching operation rather than full image processing, the system achieves high precision while managing processing complexity
3Loss of time
If real-time image comparison is performed, then feedback timeliness improves, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs partial image comparison by focusing on identifying the pointing location through key feature matching rather than analyzing every pixel in full detail. This partial processing approach provides timely feedback while reducing the overall computational load compared to exhaustive image analysis
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed that can be implemented as a system configured for image matching-based pointing and/or selection from information presented in an image displayed by a projection device. A pointing device configured as described herein may be pointed at a target portion of an image displayed by a projection device and allowed to capture an image inclusive of that target portion. In turn, the captured image data may be compared with data pertaining to the original displayed image. The resultant pointing location data can be used to generate one or more pointing indicators within the original image, and the projection device may display the resultant annotated image on screen, in some cases in real time and/or with precision resolution of a single pixel. A subsequent user selection can be made based on the known location of the pointing indicator. The techniques provide for more native human-machine interaction than existing approaches.