Palm-Projected Virtual Interface With Real-Time Finger Position Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited surface area of a user's palm constrains the size, number, and density of user interface elements in laser projected virtual interfaces, limiting interaction types and application functionality.
Innovation Solution
A wearable multimedia device projects a virtual interface with graphical elements representing fingers and adjusts these elements based on user gestures, enhancing interaction precision and intuitiveness by modifying visibility and position in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a detailed virtual interface is projected onto the user's palm, then the number and types of user interface elements increase, but the surface area constraint makes it difficult to discern elements without overwhelming the user with minute detail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by dynamically adjusting the visual properties (size, opacity, color) of specific user interface elements based on their current focus state. When a user hovers over or interacts with an element, that element is enhanced locally while others remain subdued, allowing detailed interfaces to be navigable without overwhelming the user with all details simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual interface implements dynamics by continuously adapting element properties in real-time based on user interaction state. Elements transition between highlighted and subdued states, and the interface layout can dynamically reconfigure to prioritize important elements, resolving the contradiction between showing many elements and maintaining discernibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more user interface elements are displayed on the limited palm surface, then application functionality increases, but the density of elements makes precise finger positioning more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing real-time visual cues that indicate the detected position of the user's finger relative to interactive elements. The system uses depth sensors to track finger position and provides visual feedback through highlighted elements or guiding indicators, enabling users to precisely position their fingers even when many elements are displayed densely on the palm surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-highlighting or preparing visual indicators that show where interactive elements will appear or where the user should position their finger. This anticipatory visual guidance helps users position their fingers accurately before actual interaction occurs, maintaining precision despite high element density.
3Measurement precision
If the virtual interface elements are made larger and less dense, then element discernibility improves, but the number of elements that can be displayed on the palm surface decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by utilizing the third dimension (depth) through multi-layered interface design. Important elements are displayed in the foreground with larger sizes for discernibility, while secondary elements are placed in background layers or collapsed views. This vertical layering allows many more elements to be effectively displayed than would fit in a single flat layer, resolving the contradiction between element size and quantity.
4Ease of operation
If the virtual interface is projected on the user's palm, then portability and hands-free interaction improve, but the surface area limits the types of gestures and interactions available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a gesture recognition system that can interpret multiple different gesture types (tapping, swiping, pinching, hovering, pressing) on the limited palm surface. The system uses combinations of finger positions, movement patterns, and pressure levels to differentiate between various interaction types, enabling diverse gesture vocabulary within the constrained palm area while maintaining hands-free operation.
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 precise and efficient interaction with virtual interfaces by allowing users to intuitively ascertain finger position and orientation, reducing errors and resource expenditure.
Implementation Method 1
the projector subsystem can project light onto a surface (e.g., a surface of a user's hand, such the user's palm) according to a particular spatial and/or temporal pattern, such that the user perceives a virtual interface
Implementation Method 2
Three-dimensional (3D) depth sensors (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) camera) can be used to detect user gestures that are interacting with one or more VI elements projected on the surface
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, devices and non-transitory, computer-readable storage mediums are disclosed for a wearable multimedia device and cloud computing platform with an application ecosystem for processing multimedia data captured by the wearable multimedia device. In an embodiment, a wearable multimedia device projects a virtual interface (VI) on a surface using a laser projector. Further, the device determines, based on sensor data from at least one of a camera or a depth sensor, a position of a first finger of the user relative to the surface. Further, the device, presents, using the VI, a first graphical element representing the position of the first finger of the user relative to the surface.