Non-Contact Interaction Interface Using Alternating Radiation Periods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interaction methods, such as tactile devices and voice-based input, can be unreliable and require direct contact, limiting accurate and easy interaction with applications.

Innovation Solution

An interaction interface that determines the position of an object using image sequences taken from different perspectives within a radiation region defined by projected electromagnetic radiation, allowing control of applications without direct contact by alternating between emitting and extinguishing periods to isolate illuminated objects from ambient light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If tactile devices are used for application control, then direct contact input is achieved, but interaction reliability and accuracy deteriorate due to contact requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact requirementVSAvoidinteraction reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based input devices with an optical detection system. Electromagnetic radiation (light) is projected onto the surface, and sensors detect the reflected radiation patterns to determine object positions and gestures without physical contact. This substitution of mechanical interaction with optical field interaction resolves the contradiction by eliminating contact requirements while improving reliability through non-contact sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Illumination intensity

If ambient light is present during imaging, then natural viewing conditions are maintained, but object detection precision deteriorates due to light interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveambient light conditionVSAvoidobject detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic modulation of the projected electromagnetic radiation in alternating emitting and extinguishing periods. By synchronizing the imaging process with these periodic cycles and capturing images during specific phases, the system can distinguish between projected radiation patterns and ambient light. This periodic action allows precise object detection while maintaining natural ambient lighting conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous projection of electromagnetic radiation with synchronized continuous imaging during emitting periods. This continuous useful action ensures that object positions and gestures are tracked without interruption, while the radiation pattern modulation maintains distinguishability from ambient light throughout the continuous operation, preserving both natural lighting conditions and detection precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If electromagnetic radiation is continuously emitted, then continuous object illumination is achieved, but energy consumption and ambient light interference worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination durationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic emitting and extinguishing cycles of electromagnetic radiation instead of continuous emission. During emitting periods, the radiation illuminates objects for detection; during extinguishing periods, the radiation is turned off to reduce energy consumption. This periodic operation maintains necessary illumination duration for accurate detection while significantly reducing overall energy loss compared to continuous emission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 accurate and intuitive control of applications using natural hand motions, reducing reliance on tactile devices and improving interaction accuracy and ease.

Implementation Method 1

a projection image taken during an emitting period in which the projected electromagnetic radiation is emitted, the projection image being of ambient electromagnetic radiation and of an object within the portion being illuminated with the projected electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8068641B1Interaction interface for controlling an application

Publication Date: 2011.11.29 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Image sequences are accessed, the sequences each taken, from a different perspective, of a portion of a radiation region defined by projected electromagnetic radiation. The image sequences each include a projection image taken during an emitting period in which the projected electromagnetic radiation is emitted, the projection image being of ambient electromagnetic radiation and of an object within the portion being illuminated with the projected electromagnetic radiation, and an ambient image taken during an extinguishing period in which the projected electromagnetic radiation is extinguished, the ambient image being of the ambient electromagnetic radiation. A position of the object using the projection images and the ambient images is determined, an application is controlled based on the determined position.