3D Object Detection Using Infrared Emitter Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current human-machine interaction technologies, such as floating touch and camera hand recognition, have limitations in detecting objects in three-dimensional space, particularly in terms of dynamic range and user proximity, which restrict their effectiveness in accurately tracking hand movements and object positions.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing four emitters and two receivers arranged around a rectangular detection area, emitting and detecting near-infrared radiation to convert reflected signals into Cartesian coordinates, allowing for precise detection of objects in 3D space without requiring physical installation on the object, and enabling control of cursor movement based on hand position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If floating touch technology is used to detect fingertip, then touch sensing capability is achieved, but dynamic range is limited to only 5 cm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D touch surface detection to 3D spatial detection by adding depth dimension measurement. The infrared emitter-receiver configuration enables detection in three-dimensional space, extending the dynamic range from 5 cm to a much larger volume while maintaining precision through coordinate conversion algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces capacitance-based mechanical touch sensing with optical infrared detection. By using infrared emitters and receivers to detect reflected light from the hand, the system achieves both precision and extended range without the physical contact requirements of floating touch technology.
2Measurement precision
If camera hand recognition is used to detect hand motion, then hand movement tracking is achieved, but user must be at minimum distance of about 60 cm away
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces camera-based optical recognition with infrared radiation detection. The infrared emitters actively illuminate the hand and receivers detect the reflected infrared light, enabling precise hand motion detection at much closer distances than passive camera systems require.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic activation of infrared emitters in sequence, with each emitter radiating light at different time intervals. This time-division multiplexing approach allows the receivers to distinguish signals from different emitters, enabling accurate 3D position calculation while operating at close range.
3Area of stationary object
If four emitters and two receivers are arranged in rectangular configuration, then sensing region is expanded, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing task among multiple independent emitters and receivers arranged in a rectangular configuration. Each emitter-receiver pair handles specific spatial measurements, and the system combines these segmented measurements through coordinate conversion to achieve comprehensive 3D detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The rectangular arrangement of four emitters and two receivers creates a three-dimensional detection volume rather than a planar sensing area. This spatial configuration enables depth measurement in addition to horizontal and vertical positioning, expanding the sensing region into 3D space while using simple geometric arrangements.
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
The system provides a wider effective sensing region and mitigates drifting issues, enabling accurate 3D object detection and control within a larger dynamic range, enhancing user interaction by allowing precise tracking of hand movements and object positions without physical constraints.
Implementation Method 1
Four emitters defining a rectangular detection area, the emitters being disposed around the four vertices of the rectangular detection area respectively; two receivers being disposed at the midpoints of two edges of the rectangular detection area respectively
Implementation Method 2
controlling the receivers to capture light in the predetermined wavelengths reflected by the object
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting an object in three-dimensional space includes: four emitters defining a rectangular detection area, the emitters being disposed around the four vertices of the rectangular detection area respectively; two receivers being disposed at the midpoints of two edges of the rectangular detection area respectively; and an electronic controller being connected with the emitters and the receivers and configured to control the emitters to radiate light in predetermined wavelengths, to control the receivers to capture light in the predetermined wavelengths reflected by the object and thereby output a plurality of signals, and to convert the signals into coordinates of the object.