Medical Display Input via 3D Optical Hand Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-touch screens limit input options and require users to learn specific commands, lacking intuitive input methods, especially in medical contexts where traditional input devices like keyboards and mice are difficult to use or hygienically unsuitable.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that identify and differentiate between user input devices or body parts using optical features, assigning specific command sets based on the identified input, allowing for intuitive inputs by recognizing hands, fingers, and their positions, enabling more complex interactions without the need for traditional input devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional touchscreen or multi-touch screen is used for input, then the device can be operated without traditional input devices like keyboards or mice, but the number of input options is limited and users must learn specific input commands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D touchscreen input to 3D spatial input by tracking the position and orientation of input devices and body parts in three-dimensional space. This allows the system to differentiate between inputs made with different hands, fingers, and at different spatial locations, dramatically expanding input options while maintaining ease of use through natural gestures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the input recognition into multiple dimensions: identifying which body part is used (hand, finger), determining its position in 3D space, and recognizing its orientation. This segmentation allows the system to execute different commands based on combinations of these parameters, providing versatile input options without requiring users to learn complex command sets
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional input devices like keyboards or mice are used, then a wide range of input commands can be executed, but they are difficult to use when wearing gloves or for hygiene reasons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical input devices (keyboards, mice) with an optical tracking system that detects the position and movement of body parts in 3D space. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact with input devices, making the system suitable for medical settings where gloves are worn or hygiene is critical, while maintaining full input command capability through gesture recognition
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-touch screens are used to register multiple simultaneous inputs, then more input options are provided compared to conventional touchscreens, but even more intuitive input options are desirable without requiring users to learn commands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically identify and interpret the user's intent by tracking which body parts are used and their spatial positions. The system self-adapts by executing different commands based on the identified input source (e.g., left hand vs. right hand, different fingers), making inputs intuitive without requiring users to learn or memorize command sets. The system serves itself by automatically interpreting natural gestures
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
Enhances input options by allowing differentiation between hands and fingers, reducing the need for learning individual commands and improving user experience, particularly in medical settings by enabling intuitive control of medical display devices.
Implementation Method 1
the identification takes place by means of an optical sensor, in particular by means of a camera, which detects visible properties of the input devices or body parts
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a medical display device (1) with an input area (2) comprising the following steps: - identifying input devices and/or body parts (3, 4) of a user based on a property inherent in the input devices and/or body parts (3, 4); - determining the position and/or orientation of the identified input devices and/or body parts (3, 4); - registering an input made with an identified input device and/or body part (3, 4); and - executing an input command selected from a predetermined set of commands based on a combination of the results of the preceding steps.The invention further relates to a medical display device (1) with an input area (2) which, by means of a sensor (5), identifies input devices and/or body parts (3, 4) of a user based on a property inherent in the input devices and/or body parts (3, 4) and determines their position and/or orientation, registers an input made with an identified device and/or body part (3, 4) by means of a sensor (6) and executes an input command selected from a predetermined set of commands based on a combination of the sensor results.