Mobile Storage System Gesture Interface for Hands-Free Aisle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile storage systems require physical contact for user interface operation, leading to germ transfer and limited usability when hands are occupied.
Innovation Solution
A gesture-controlled system using sensors to detect user movements, eliminating physical contact and enabling hands-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical contact buttons or touch-screen are used for control, then the control system is simple and reliable, but dirt and germs are transferred to the user interface and hands-free operation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces gesture sensors as an intermediary between the user and the control system. These sensors detect hand gestures (such as waving or pointing motions) without requiring physical contact with buttons or touchscreens. The gesture sensor acts as a mediator that translates non-contact gestures into control commands, thereby enabling hands-free operation while preventing germ transfer to the interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with an optical/electromagnetic sensing system. Instead of requiring physical contact with mechanical buttons or capacitive touchscreens, the system uses gesture sensors (such as infrared or capacitive sensors) to detect hand movements and translate them into control signals. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact while maintaining control functionality.
2Ease of operation
If physical contact buttons or touch-screen are used for control, then the device complexity is low, but the usability is limited when hands are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The gesture sensor serves as an intermediary that captures hand gestures in the air space between the user and the control panel. By detecting the position, direction, and motion of the hand through electromagnetic fields or optical sensors, the system translates these gestures into control commands without requiring the user to physically touch any surfaces. This enables operation even when hands are carrying items.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the simple mechanical button interface with a more complex sensor-based detection system. The gesture sensor includes components such as infrared LEDs, photodetectors, or capacitive sensing elements that detect hand movements through electromagnetic or capacitive fields. This substitution increases device complexity but enables operation when hands are occupied.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If gesture sensors are added to enable hands-free operation, then germ transfer is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gesture sensor acts as a non-contact intermediary that detects hand gestures through electromagnetic or optical fields. By placing the sensor on or near the control panel, the system captures gestures without requiring physical contact, thereby preventing germ transfer. The sensor processes these gestures and translates them into control commands, maintaining functionality while eliminating contamination risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the simple mechanical button interface with a sensor-based detection system that uses electromagnetic or optical fields to detect hand gestures. This substitution introduces additional components (sensors, signal processing circuits) that increase device complexity but eliminate the need for physical contact, thereby preventing germ transfer to the control interface.
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 germ-free operation and increased usability by allowing users to control storage unit movement through hand gestures, reducing the need for physical interaction.
Implementation Method 1
Based upon the time the reflected light is detected after the light emitter is activated, the gesture integrated circuit can determine the distance of the user's hand from the gesture sensor
Implementation Method 2
If the user's hand or other element is within the illumination area, light is reflected back toward the gesture sensor and is detected by the light detector
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile storage system includes a series of storage units movable relative to each other to create an aisle or aisles between adjacent storage units. The mobile storage system includes a gesture sensor on each storage unit that is able to detect movement of a hand of a user near the gesture sensor. The gesture sensor communicates the detected movement of the user's hand to a control unit of the mobile storage system such that the control unit can coordinate the movement of the storage units. The gesture sensor includes a light emitter and a light detector that operate to detect the movement of the user's hand. Based on the direction of movement detected, the control unit can move the storage units or activate a light or other device. A method of operating the mobile storage system based on the sensed movement detected by the gesture sensor is also disclosed.