Radar-Based Gesture Control for Proximity Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current gesture recognition technologies for controlling computing devices are limited in allowing seamless and intuitive interaction without physical contact, particularly in providing a seamless transition between presentation and interactive modes based on proximity zones.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that detects a control article in proximity zones to switch between presentation and interactive modes of a user interface, using a radar module to emit and receive RF energy for determining the presence and motion of the control article, allowing users to interact with devices through gestures in-air.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If gesture recognition is implemented for controlling computing devices, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or contact-based control interfaces (touchscreens, physical buttons) with a radar-based gesture recognition system. The radar module detects motion and position of control articles in three-dimensional space, enabling contactless interaction. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact while providing intuitive gesture-based control, resolving the contradiction by improving ease of operation through natural gestures while managing device complexity through integrated radar technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple proximity zones are implemented for mode switching, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the spatial detection area into multiple distinct proximity zones (first proximity zone for presentation mode, second proximity zone for interactive mode) based on distance from the computing device. Each zone corresponds to a specific interaction mode, allowing the system to automatically adapt its functionality based on the detected position of the control article. This segmentation enables versatile mode switching while managing complexity through clear spatial boundaries and dedicated detection algorithms for each zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If in-air gesture control is enabled, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs radar technology to detect and measure the position, velocity, and motion patterns of control articles in three-dimensional space. The radar module emits electromagnetic waves and analyzes the reflected signals to precisely determine the spatial coordinates and movement characteristics of gestures without physical contact. This enables accurate measurement of in-air gestures, resolving the contradiction by providing the necessary measurement precision through advanced radar signal processing while maintaining intuitive ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 intuitive and seamless control of computing devices by switching between presentation and interactive modes based on proximity, enhancing user interaction with devices through in-air gestures, improving usability and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

using a radar module to emit and receive RF energy for determining the presence and motion of the control article

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Data Source

PatentUS11531459B2Control-article-based control of a user interface
Publication Date: 2022.12.20 GOOGLE LLC
  • US11531459B2 patent drawing
  • US11531459B2 patent drawing
  • US11531459B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods of providing gesture-based control of a user interface are provided. For instance, a presence of a control article can be detected in a first proximity zone proximate a user device. Responsive to detecting the presence of the control article, presentation data corresponding to a presentation mode of a user interface associated with the user computing device can be provided for display. A presence of the control article can be detected in a second proximity zone proximate the user computing device. The second proximity zone can define a separate physical area than the first proximity zone. Responsive to detecting the presence of the control article in the second proximity zone, interactive data corresponding to an interactive mode of the user interface can be provided for display.