Optical Detection Device for Noncontact Human Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical detection devices for controlling electronic equipment require complex image signal processing circuits, leading to high costs and large device sizes, making them inefficient for noncontact human motion detection.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical detection device using a light emitting element, irradiation optical system, reflected light optical system, and a signal processing section with a line or area sensor to detect positional information without complex image processing, employing methods like differential waveform computation and barycentric position detection to simplify the processing and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex image signal processing circuits are used for hand motion detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for hand motion detection by using a line sensor to detect light spot position and area, rather than processing complete images. This selective extraction of critical data (position and area of light spot) eliminates the need for complex image signal processing circuits while maintaining sufficient detection accuracy for control applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical projection to create a simplified representation (copy) of the hand - a light spot whose position and area correlate with hand position and motion. Instead of processing the complex original hand image, the system tracks this simplified optical copy, dramatically reducing processing requirements while preserving the essential motion information needed for control
2Measurement precision
If TOF system with high output power light emitting source is used for distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the active TOF (time of flight) measurement system with a passive optical reflection system. Instead of measuring the time for light to travel to and from the object (requiring high power), the system projects a light pattern and detects the reflected light's intensity distribution. This substitution of measurement principle dramatically reduces power consumption while maintaining sufficient distance and position measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a low-power light emitting source that emits light only when needed for projection, rather than requiring continuous high-power emission as in TOF systems. The light is used briefly to create the projection pattern, and then the system relies on detecting the reflected pattern, eliminating the need for sustained high power consumption
3Measurement precision
If image recognition processing is used for hand detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the critical features needed for hand detection - the position and area of the light spot - rather than performing complete image recognition. By focusing solely on these extracted features, the system achieves sufficient detection accuracy for control purposes while using simple, inexpensive signal processing circuits instead of sophisticated image recognition algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing only the minimum necessary processing for hand detection - tracking light spot position and area changes - rather than performing full image recognition processing. This partial processing approach provides adequate functionality for control applications at a fraction of the cost of complete image recognition systems
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
The solution enables a small, inexpensive optical detection device capable of easily detecting human motion with a simple configuration, allowing for noncontact operation of electronic equipment without the need for sophisticated image processing circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting element; an irradiation optical system for applying a bundle of emission rays emitted from the light emitting element to an object to be measured
Implementation Method 2
a reflected light optical system for condensing reflected light from the object to be measured
Implementation Method 3
a reflected light optical system for condensing reflected light from the object to be measured
Implementation Method 4
a light receiving element for detecting reflected light from the object to be measured condensed by the reflected light optical system
Data Source
AI summary
An optical detection device includes a light emitting element, which is an area sensor, a light emitting lens part for irradiating an object to be measured with a bundle of emission rays emitted from the light emitting element, a light receiving lens part for condensing reflected light from the object, a light receiving element for detecting reflected light from the object condensed by the light receiving lens part, and a signal processing section for processing a light-reception signal from the light receiving element. Based on the light-reception signal from the light receiving element, the signal processing section detects at least one of an x-coordinate or a y-coordinate of the object on an x-y coordinate plane from at least one of a light-spot position or a light-spot shape on the light receiving element.