Wrist Antenna Deformation Sensing for Immersive Gesture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current human-machine interface controllers for virtual and augmented reality systems often detract from the immersive experience by not providing detailed information on user gestures effectively, disrupting the immersive nature of interactions.
Innovation Solution
A wrist-worn controller with a plurality of antennas that generate frequency-orthogonal signals and process signals to determine hand movements based on deformation of the skin surface, allowing for precise tracking of hand motions with low latency, using a mixed signal integrated circuit and signal processing to quantify minute changes in antenna positions and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional controllers are used for VR/AR interactions, then the basic control function is provided, but the immersive experience is reduced due to lack of detailed gesture information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical controllers with a wrist-worn device that uses electromagnetic signals between antennas to detect hand gestures. The system substitutes mechanical interaction with electromagnetic field-based sensing, enabling detailed gesture tracking without physical controllers that break immersion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the user and the VR/AR system. The antennas transmit and receive signals through the body, using the body itself as part of the sensing mechanism. This intermediary enables detailed gesture detection while maintaining the illusion of direct interaction with the virtual environment
2Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are used to improve gesture detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each antenna serve multiple functions: transmitting electromagnetic signals, receiving reflected signals, and acting as part of the sensing mechanism itself. The antennas are integrated into the wristband structure, serving both as control interface and as sensors, reducing overall system complexity despite using multiple antennas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the controller and sensor functions into a single integrated wrist-worn device. The antennas are combined with the wristband structure, eliminating the need for separate controllers and sensors. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through multiple antenna elements
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 detailed and immersive tracking of hand movements and gestures with low latency, enhancing the VR/AR experience by providing accurate and real-time data for skeletal modeling and gesture recognition.
Implementation Method 1
A signal transmitter is operatively connected to each of a first set of the first plurality of antennas, the signal transmitter being configured to generate each of a first plurality of frequency-orthogonal signals on each of the first set of the first plurality of antennas, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a controller for sensing deformation. Transmit antennas are located on a first structure and transmit signals. Receive antennas are located on a second structure and receive signals. Received signals are processed to determine an amount of deformation. The amount of deformation that occurs may then be correlated to the position of a hand or the location of another body part.