Single Camera Virtual Touch Screen Using Mirror Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion detection systems require multiple cameras to capture fine motor movements and provide an unobstructed view, increasing complexity and cost, while also lacking security features to prevent vandalism and theft.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a single camera and a strategically positioned mirror to create a virtual touch screen, allowing for fine motor movement recognition and facial recognition, even behind an obstruction, with the ability to execute secure financial transactions and adaptive advertising displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to capture fine motor movements and provide unobstructed view, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A mirror is introduced as an intermediary optical element to redirect light paths, enabling a single camera to capture views that would otherwise require multiple cameras. The mirror creates virtual images of the user's hands and gestures, allowing the camera to detect fine motor movements from an obstructed position without requiring additional cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a direct 2D camera view to a 3D optical path configuration by positioning the mirror at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) to reflect light from multiple spatial dimensions into the camera. This allows the single camera to effectively monitor multiple action areas simultaneously by capturing reflected images from different angles.
2Reliability
If multiple cameras are placed to provide unobstructed view, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror serves as a reliable intermediary that ensures continuous unobstructed viewing of the user's hands and gestures. By positioning the mirror to reflect light from the action area into the camera, the system maintains reliable detection capability without requiring multiple cameras to be placed in potentially obstructed positions.
3Device complexity
If a single camera is used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but measurement precision and view coverage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror enables the single camera to achieve fine motor movement detection capability by creating reflected virtual images of the user's hands. The optical path through the mirror preserves the spatial relationships and motion details necessary for accurate gesture recognition, maintaining measurement precision while using only one camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror configuration allows the single camera to effectively expand its field of view into multiple action areas by capturing reflected light from different angles. This dimensional change in the optical path enables the camera to monitor a larger spatial volume with the same sensor, maintaining detection precision across multiple zones.
4Ease of operation
If display screen is used for interaction, then ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to obstruction of camera view
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror acts as an intermediary that bypasses the obstruction created by the display screen. By reflecting light from the action area (where the user's hands interact with the screen) into the camera, the mirror enables the camera to see around the display and detect gestures without requiring the camera to be positioned where it would be blocked by the screen.
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 secure interaction with a virtual touch screen using a single camera, reducing complexity and cost while providing physical security and efficient transaction processing.
Implementation Method 1
A single camera is strategically positioned and combined with a single mirror to provide a view around an obstruction
Data Source
AI summary
A motion detection and interpretation system comprising a camera plus an infrared transmitter/receiver paired with a single reflective surface that records image data from two vantage points. The camera is connected to a computer and a display screen. The system creates a virtual touch screen for interaction with the display screen. The components of the system can be protected behind a transparent barrier while the virtual touch screen is provided for user interaction thus preventing user interference with, deterring vandalism and theft of, and prolonging the usable life of the equipment. In addition to finite hand movements detected by the virtual touch screen, the system can also simultaneously perform facial recognition and body movement recognition. The system is capable of interpreting multi-touch inputs. All recognitions are defined in the computer to carry out preprogrammed responses.