Object State Determining Apparatus Using Multi-Directional Light Reflection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hand state detecting apparatuses require specific accessories that are difficult to size correctly for individual users and are not adaptable for use by others, and their light-based detection methods can be interfered with by external light sources.

Innovation Solution

An object state determining apparatus that uses multiple light sources and sensors to emit and detect light in various directions, allowing for adjustable attachment to an object without specific accessories, and determines the object's state based on the intensity of reflected light, using area light sources and adjustable sensor arrays to recognize gestures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If specific accessories like gloves are used to detect hand state, then hand state detection is enabled, but the accessory is difficult to size correctly for individual users and cannot be adapted for use by others

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand state detection capabilityVSAvoiduser adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces user-specific accessories with a universal light source and sensor system that can detect hand states of any user without requiring customization. The light source emits light in multiple directions and the sensor detects reflected light patterns, creating a solution that works for all users regardless of hand size or shape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical accessory (glove with physical sensors) with an optical system. Instead of using mechanical contact sensors embedded in a glove, the invention uses light emission and detection to sense hand state, eliminating the need for physical accessories that must fit the user's hand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If light sources are provided on the finger to detect hand state, then hand state detection is enabled, but the detection method is interfered with by other light sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand state detection capabilityVSAvoidlight source interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing light sources on the finger and detecting from a distance (which is susceptible to external light interference), the patent inverts the approach by placing the light source and sensor in the same location. The light source emits light toward the hand and the sensor detects the reflected light, creating a controlled optical path that is less susceptible to external light interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the hand itself as an intermediary in the optical detection process. The light source emits light that reflects off the hand's surface, and the sensor detects this reflected light. The hand acts as a mediator between the light source and sensor, allowing state detection through optical reflection patterns without being directly exposed to external light interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 detection of object actions without the need for custom accessories, reduces costs due to simple components, and minimizes interference from external light sources, allowing for accurate recognition of hand gestures and states.

Implementation Method 1

a first light source, configured to generate first light in a first direction, wherein first reflected light is generated while the first light is emitted to an object; a second light source, configured to generate second light in a second direction, wherein second reflected light is generated while the second light is emitted to the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

at least one light sensor, configured to sense a first light amount of the first reflected light and a second light amount of the second reflected light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10598786B2Object state determining apparatus and object state determining method

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 PIXART IMAGING INC

AI summary

An object state determining apparatus comprising: a first light source, configured to generate first light in a first direction, wherein first reflected light is generated while the first light is emitted to an object; a second light source, configured to generate second light in a second direction, wherein second reflected light is generated while the second light is emitted to the object; at least one light sensor, configured to sense a first light amount of the first reflected light and a second light amount of the second reflected light; and a determining unit, configured to determine a state of the object based on the first light amount and the second light amount. The object state determining apparatus can be easily fixed to an object to be detected and can efficiently detect the state of the object.