Pen-Like Light Input Device for Contactless Appliance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating systems for electrical household appliances are time-consuming and error-prone, particularly in recognizing hand or finger movements as operating commands during cooking processes, due to complex spatial detection requirements.
Innovation Solution
An operating system with a detection surface and a wireless, freely movable input device equipped with a light source, where the camera recognizes the light appearance to generate operating commands, allowing for targeted and simple command recognition without the need for complex spatial detections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand movements or finger movements are recorded without contact using transmitters or video cameras, then operating commands can be generated, but the evaluation technology becomes very time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and computational evaluation systems with a simple optical signaling system. Instead of using video cameras to track hand movements or transmitters to detect position, the solution uses a light source on the input device that emits visible light signals. The camera simply detects these light signals to determine button presses, eliminating the need for complex spatial tracking and evaluation algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function from complex hand movement analysis and isolates it to a simple light emission event. By focusing only on detecting when the light source is activated (rather than tracking continuous hand motion), the system removes unnecessary complexity while preserving the core functionality of generating operating commands.
2Reliability
If video cameras or transmitters are used to detect hand movements, then operating commands can be recognized, but the system becomes error-prone in distinguishing intentional commands from cooking movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex spatial detection and movement analysis systems with a simple optical activation system. The light source on the input device emits visible light only when intentionally activated by the user, providing a clear and unambiguous signal that distinguishes intentional commands from unintentional cooking movements. The camera simply detects the presence or absence of light activation rather than analyzing complex motion patterns.
3Ease of operation
If a light source on the input device is recognized by the camera, then operating commands can be generated simply and precisely, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or pulsed lighting action rather than continuous illumination. The light source on the input device is activated only when the user intends to input a command, creating discrete light pulses that correspond to specific operating commands. This periodic activation pattern reduces energy consumption significantly compared to continuous lighting while maintaining clear and precise command recognition.
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 solution reduces operating errors by enabling easy and precise recognition of operating commands, allowing for reliable and practical operation of electrical household appliances with fewer errors and energy-efficient lighting.
Implementation Method 1
The input device has a light source whose lights or whose light appearance can be seen by the camera when it exits the input device
Implementation Method 2
A camera of the operating system is aligned with this detection surface in order to monitor it or to be able to recognize an operation that is intended to generate or effect an operating command
Data Source
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AI summary
An operating system for an electrical household appliance comprises a detection area, which can be horizontally oriented, a camera focused on the detection area for monitoring it, and a separate, freely movable, pen-like input device that can be held in the hand and is freely movable. The input device includes a light source whose illumination, or rather its luminous pattern, is detectable by the camera when it emerges from the input device. A control unit is provided for the camera, designed to detect and spatially locate the light source's luminous pattern detected by the camera. The input device includes a switching element, the activation of which causes the light source to switch on. Thus, as with a stylus, an input can be made at a predetermined location to provide an operating command for the electrical household appliance.