Touchless Ventilator Control Using 3D Gesture Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ventilator control systems are complex and require direct interaction, limiting optimal information preparation for human perception and only allowing computer interface access, necessitating an improvement in non-contact operating processes.

Innovation Solution

A device with a detection unit that uses sensors, memory, and an interface to detect and generate digital control commands, featuring a camera or 3D camera to process gestures and send control commands to the ventilator, along with a lighting unit for projecting virtual control elements, enabling intuitive control through gestures and voice recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional contact-based control interfaces are used, then reliable control commands are obtained, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based control interfaces with an optical detection system using cameras and image processing. Users interact by making gestures or facial expressions that are captured by cameras and converted into control commands, eliminating the need for physical contact with buttons or knobs while simplifying the user interaction model

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an image processing unit as an intermediary between the user and the ventilator control system. This intermediary captures visual data from cameras, processes it to recognize gestures or facial expressions, and translates it into control commands, thereby decoupling the user from direct mechanical interaction with the device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If more information is displayed on traditional displays, then complete information is provided, but human perception cannot optimally process the information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidinformation processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional 2D flat displays to 3D spatial projection of control elements and information. By projecting virtual control elements and display information into three-dimensional space, the system provides more comprehensive information while maintaining optimal human perception through spatial arrangement and depth cues

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If direct contact control is used, then precise control commands are obtained, but touchless operation is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol command precisionVSAvoidoperation mode flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical contact-based control with optical field-based detection. Cameras capture visual information from user gestures or facial expressions, and image processing algorithms extract precise control commands from these visual inputs, maintaining command precision while enabling touchless operation and increasing adaptability to different user needs

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

Data Source

PatentEP3499511B1Ventilator with a device for the touchless detection of user operations
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 LOWENSTEIN MEDICAL TECH SA
  • EP3499511B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3499511B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a device and a method for controlling a ventilator by means of a control command detection unit, wherein the detection unit detects control commands of a user in a detection area of ​​the detection unit, wherein the detection unit has at least one sensor for control commands, a memory, a device for generating digital control commands and an interface for coupling with the ventilator and for sending the control commands to the ventilator.