Neuromuscular Sensor Control for Smart Devices in Noisy Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling smart devices and interacting with XR environments are cumbersome, inefficient, and inconvenient, particularly in noisy environments or when voice commands are not feasible, and current techniques for controlling XR systems have significant flaws.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing neuromuscular sensors and imaging technology to generate a 3D map of an environment, enabling users to control smart devices and interact with objects or people through neuromuscular activities, such as gestures and movements, without the need for traditional input devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional input devices or voice commands are used to control smart devices, then control functionality is achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome and inefficient, especially in noisy environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical input devices (remote controls, keyboards) and voice-based control systems with a neuromuscular sensing system that directly detects electrical signals from muscle contractions. This substitution eliminates the need for physical input devices and voice processing, providing a more direct and intuitive control method that works in noisy environments where voice commands fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces neuromuscular sensors as an intermediary between the user's intent and the smart device control system. These sensors detect electrical signals from muscle contractions and translate them into control commands, serving as a bridge that converts physiological signals into actionable instructions for smart devices without requiring traditional input methods.
2Ease of operation
If voice commands are used for controlling smart devices, then hands-free operation is achieved, but control becomes unreliable in noisy environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic-based voice recognition with electrical signal-based neuromuscular sensing. By detecting the electrical signals generated during muscle contractions, the system provides hands-free control that is independent of acoustic conditions, ensuring reliable operation in noisy environments where voice commands become unreliable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If current XR system control techniques are used, then interaction capability is achieved, but the control methods have significant flaws and are inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional XR control methods (hand controllers, body tracking) with direct neuromuscular signal detection. This substitution provides more natural and intuitive interaction by capturing the user's intent at the source (muscle contraction) rather than interpreting external movements, significantly improving interaction efficiency and reducing latency in XR environments.
4Ease of operation
If traditional remote control methods are used, then device control is achieved, but latency is high and real-time control is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multi-step traditional remote control processes (signal transmission through multiple devices, processing delays) with direct neuromuscular signal detection and immediate translation to control commands. This direct pathway from muscle contraction to device control eliminates intermediate processing steps and significantly reduces latency, enabling real-time remote control.
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, real-time, and intuitive control of smart devices and interactions in both real-world and XR environments, reducing latency and eliminating the need for cumbersome input methods.
Implementation Method 1
hand gestures are determined based on signals from one or more electromyographic (EMG) sensors coupled to the user's skin
Implementation Method 2
a camera is used to capture images, based on recognized gestures, of an electronic device
Data Source
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Figure 2A~2D
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AI summary
Computerized systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media are provided for generating a 3D map of an environment and/or for utilizing the 3D map to enable a user to control smart devices in the environment and/or to interact with a person in the environment. To generate the 3D map, perform the control, and/or interact with the person, a plurality of neuromuscular sensors may be worn by the user. The sensors may be arranged on a carrier worn by the user, and may be configured to sense neuromuscular signals from the user. A camera configured to capture information about the environment may be arranged on the carrier worn by the user. The sensors and the camera provide data to a computer processor coupled to a memory.