Optical Marker Interface for Disability Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional man-machine interfaces for individuals with severe disabilities are often cumbersome, require significant muscle strength, and are not easily compatible with conventional computer tools, limiting their interaction capabilities and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, easily configurable man-machine interface that uses a lightweight, flexible marker attached to the skin for optical tracking, allowing for intuitive interaction with various devices without requiring powerful computer resources, and is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, Android, and iOS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional input tools (keyboard, mouse) are used, then interaction precision is maintained, but muscle strength and movement precision are required which are lacking in severely disabled users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical input devices (keyboard, mouse) with an optical tracking system using a camera to monitor marker position. This substitution eliminates the need for muscle strength and precise mechanical gestures, allowing users with severe disabilities to interact through minimal body movements that can be detected optically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a marker as an intermediary element attached to the user's body. This marker serves as a mediator between the user's limited physical capability and the computer system, translating minimal body movements into precise digital interactions through optical tracking.
2Ease of operation
If specialized interfaces are provided for disabled users, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal camera-based tracking system that can work with any computer equipped with a camera, rather than requiring specialized hardware. The system can adapt to different users and disabilities by simply repositioning the marker, making the solution broadly applicable without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the computer's existing camera hardware for tracking, eliminating the need for specialized tracking devices. The software processes standard video feed and automatically identifies the marker, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If specialized interfaces are provided for disabled users, then ease of operation is improved, but compatibility with conventional computer tools is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of traditional mouse functionality through the marker tracking system. The software emulates standard mouse movements and clicks, allowing seamless interaction with conventional computer tools and applications without requiring specialized software or operating systems.
4Ease of operation
If gaze tracking systems are used, then interaction is enabled for users with limited movement, but eye fatigue and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interaction task by placing the marker on a body part with voluntary mobility rather than requiring continuous eye tracking. This segmentation allows the system to use larger, more easily controlled movements while maintaining precision through optical tracking, eliminating calibration needs and reducing fatigue.
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 and comfortable interaction for individuals with severe disabilities, providing a versatile and cost-effective solution that can replace traditional keyboards and mice, with customizable active zones and visual feedback for enhanced usability.
Implementation Method 1
a camera (21) connected to said platform (20), said camera (21) making it possible to film said part of the body
Implementation Method 2
The marker may comprise a reflective coating, in particular based on micro-reflectors, so as to reflect the incident light and facilitate its detection by the camera
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a human-machine interface comprising: - a camera, - a marker to be placed on a part of the body of a subject and positioned within the field of view of the camera, - a display device displaying an image pointer of the marker filmed by the camera, the display device displaying at least one active area corresponding to the triggering of at least one predetermined action, the interface being configured so that the action is triggered when the pointer is brought into the active area and evolves in a predefined manner relative to it, the interface being configured to emulate the data transmitted by a mouse to a microcomputer, and parameterized so as to allow the reproduction of at least one classic mouse function on a standard graphical interface, chosen from among the single click, the double click, the click and hold, the contextual click and the scroll wheel.