Position Detection System Using Electromagnetic Wave Contrast

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing position detection systems face challenges in accurately detecting hands or fingers of operators due to varying background images and lighting conditions, leading to decreased recognition rates.

Innovation Solution

A position detection system that uses an imaging unit and electromagnetic wave emission units to capture and control the emission of electromagnetic waves, detecting the projected image of an object by comparing images with and without wave emission, allowing for precise object positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a reference image captured during non-operation is used to detect the hand or finger of an operator, then the extraction method is simple, but the recognition rate decreases when there is a change in environment from the time when the reference image is captured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of extraction methodVSAvoidrecognition rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system captures a reference image of the projection plane before the operation begins, storing it as a baseline for comparison. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare the reference data in advance, enabling simple subtraction operations during actual hand detection while maintaining accuracy even when environmental conditions change, because the reference image is specifically captured at the moment needed for comparison

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the background image is captured during operation to detect the hand or finger, then the recognition rate improves under varying lighting conditions, but the detection accuracy decreases due to the dynamic nature of the background

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecognition rate under varying lightingVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the essential reference information from the background image - specifically the projection plane image captured during non-operation. By taking out and isolating this critical reference data, the system eliminates unnecessary background elements that change during operation, thereby maintaining both high recognition rates under varying lighting and precise detection accuracy through consistent reference comparison

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If electromagnetic wave emission is used to create a projected image of the object, then the contrast between projected and background images improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage contrastVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an electromagnetic wave emission unit as an intermediary component that projects waves onto the projection plane, creating a visible projected image of the object. This intermediary device enables high-contrast imaging by emitting controlled electromagnetic waves that interact with the object and projection plane, providing clear detection signals while keeping the overall system manageable through focused, targeted emission rather than complex multi-component arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enhances the accuracy of detecting objects like hands or fingers by utilizing the contrast between projected and background images, even in varying lighting conditions, enabling continuous and reliable position detection.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging unit to capture an image of a projection plane of an electromagnetic wave

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an electromagnetic wave emission unit to emit the electromagnetic wave to the projection plane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8897499B2Position detection system, position detection method, program, object determination system and object determination method

Publication Date: 2014.11.25 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

There is provided a position detection system including an imaging unit to capture an image of a projection plane of an electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave emission unit to emit the electromagnetic wave to the projection plane, a control unit to control emission of the electromagnetic wave by the electromagnetic wave emission unit, and a position detection unit including a projected image detection section to detect a projected image of an object existing between the electromagnetic wave emission unit and the projection plane based on a difference between an image of the projection plane captured during emission of the electromagnetic wave by the electromagnetic wave emission unit and an image of the projection plane captured during no emission of the electromagnetic wave, and a position detection section to detect a position of the object based on a position of the projected image of the object.