Free-Space Machine Control via Optical Gesture Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine interfaces rely on physical contact and operation of switches, limiting user freedom and the types of user input possible.
Innovation Solution
The system uses machine-acquired sensory inputs to interpret the position and motion of objects, enabling command information to be determined automatically through scanning and image-based methods, allowing for free-space interfacing without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical contact and switches are used for machine input, then reliable control input is achieved, but user freedom of movement and types of input are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches and contact-based input devices with optical sensing systems that detect hand gestures and motions in free space. Cameras capture images of the user's hand, and image processing algorithms interpret these images to generate control inputs, eliminating the need for physical contact with switches or buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical sensing system between the user and the machine control interface. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the system uses cameras and image processing as intermediaries to translate hand gestures into control commands, enabling contactless interaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical sensing and image processing are used for machine control, then user freedom and input versatility are enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal image processing system that can interpret multiple types of hand gestures and motions to control various machine functions. The same optical sensing and image processing infrastructure supports diverse input methods including hand position detection, gesture recognition, and motion tracking, reducing the need for multiple specialized input devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's natural hand gestures and motions as the input mechanism, eliminating the need for specialized input devices. The optical sensing system automatically captures and processes images of the user's hand, and the image processing algorithms autonomously interpret these images to generate appropriate control inputs without requiring additional hardware or complex mechanical interfaces.
3Measurement precision
If multiple emission cycles with different scan patterns are used, then object detection accuracy is improved, but scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning process into multiple emission cycles, each with different scan patterns. The first emission cycle uses a first scan pattern to perform initial object detection, and the second emission cycle uses a second scan pattern to verify and refine detection results. This segmented approach improves detection accuracy by cross-validating findings from different scanning perspectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic emission cycles with alternating scan patterns to systematically scan the region of space. By periodically repeating the scanning process with varied patterns, the system ensures comprehensive coverage and improves detection reliability while managing scanning time through structured repetition.
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
This approach provides greater flexibility and enhanced sensory input acquisition for machines, enabling improved machine interfacing and control through the interpretation of object attributes and motions.
Implementation Method 1
a reflectance of the at least two scan patterns is detected
Data Source
AI summary
A region of space may be monitored for the presence or absence of one or more control objects, and object attributes and changes thereto may be interpreted as control information provided as input to a machine or application. In some embodiments, the region is monitored using a combination of scanning and image-based sensing.