Infrared Laser Plane Multi-Touch Sensing for Gesture Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computing devices face challenges in providing efficient and cost-effective input and data sharing techniques, as existing methods like keypads and touchscreens can limit user interaction and require costly adaptations to enhance functionality.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing multiple touch detections through infrared (IR) light, where an image processing component analyzes breaks in a plane of IR light to enable gestures, motions, and object detection, allowing seamless data interaction with a display, and leveraging an application framework for enhanced data manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional input devices like keypads and touchscreens are used, then basic data entry functionality is provided, but user interaction is limited and personalization is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction capabilityVSAvoidinput technique accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical input devices (keypads, touchscreens) with an optical system using infrared laser planes and cameras to detect hand gestures and touches. This substitution enables versatile, contactless interaction while maintaining ease of use through natural hand movements, resolving the contradiction between interaction capability and operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary optical field (infrared laser plane) between the user and the display surface. This intermediary enables multiple users to interact simultaneously with different regions of the display without physical contact, enhancing adaptability while preserving ease of operation through intuitive gesture recognition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If computing devices incorporate multiple functionalities, then device capability increases, but device complexity and cost of adaptation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality integrationVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal input system that can detect various gestures (single-touch, multi-touch, hovering, dragging) using a single infrared laser plane and camera setup. This multi-functional capability allows the system to handle diverse interaction scenarios without increasing hardware complexity or requiring costly retrofits for each specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing devices are retrofitted to enhance input and data sharing techniques, then functionality is improved, but cost and difficulty of implementation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput technique enhancementVSAvoidretrofit implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the interaction space into multiple independent laser planes that can be independently controlled and detected. This segmentation allows the system to be implemented by adding separate, modular components (laser sources, cameras) to existing devices without requiring complex integrated redesigns, thereby reducing retrofit cost and implementation difficulty while enhancing input capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 efficient and cost-effective multiple touch interactions, allowing for fluid data manipulation and sharing, adaptable to various devices and surfaces, enhancing user experience without the need for costly retrofits.

Implementation Method 1

A laser component can be coupled to a line generating (LG) optic in order to transmit a plane of IR light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

Breaks in the plane of IR light can be captured or detected by a camera device coupled with an IR pass filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS8952894B2Computer vision-based multi-touch sensing using infrared lasers

Publication Date: 2015.02.10 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates detecting a plurality of inputs simultaneously. A laser component can be coupled to a line generating (LG) optic that can create a laser line from an infrared (IR) laser spot, wherein the laser component and line generating (LG) optic emit a plane of IR light. A camera device can capture a portion of imagery within an area covered by the plane of light. The camera device can be coupled to an IR-pass filter that can block visible light and pass IR light in order to detect a break in the emitted plane of IR light. An image processing component can ascertain a location of the break within the area covered by the emitted plane of IR light.