Virtual Keyboard Gesture Input via Optical Feature Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interface systems for receiving input are not efficient or enjoyable for users, as they require manual manipulation of physical keys, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that displays a virtual keyboard layout with key subgroups mapped to regions, using image extraction and sensor technology to identify feature points on objects, allowing users to input data through hand movements, which are translated into input data for the user interface system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a physical keyboard is used for data entry, then input accuracy is maintained, but input efficiency and user enjoyment deteriorate due to manual manipulation requirements and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical keyboard system with an optical recognition system. Instead of physically pressing keys, users perform hand gestures that are captured by a camera and translated into keyboard inputs through image processing and gesture recognition algorithms, eliminating mechanical interaction while maintaining input functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual representation of keyboard interaction through gesture recognition. Hand gestures serve as copies or proxies for actual key presses, where the movement and position of hands are mapped to corresponding keyboard keys, allowing indirect but effective input without physical contact
2Productivity
If hand gestures are used for input, then input speed and ease of operation improve, but system complexity increases due to image processing and gesture recognition requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the gesture recognition process into distinct modules: image capture, feature extraction, gesture classification, and key mapping. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall complex system by breaking it down into manageable, specialized subsystems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between the user's hand gestures and the final keyboard input. This layer includes image processing and gesture recognition algorithms that translate physical movements into digital signals, acting as a mediator that handles the complexity while presenting a simple interface to the user
3Ease of operation
If a virtual keyboard with mapped regions is used, then hand movement distance is minimized, but measurement precision requirements increase for accurate feature point identification
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs visual feedback mechanisms where different regions of the virtual keyboard are highlighted or colored to indicate active zones and recognized gestures. This visual differentiation helps users understand which areas are being detected and provides real-time feedback on gesture recognition accuracy, effectively compensating for measurement precision challenges
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the recognized gesture position is immediately mapped to the corresponding keyboard region and displayed to the user. This feedback mechanism allows real-time verification of feature point identification accuracy and enables users to adjust their gestures for more precise input
Data Source
AI summary
A user input method includes the following steps. A virtual keyboard layout and a control region are displayed. The virtual keyboard layout includes a plurality of key subgroups each mapped to a respective one of a plurality of regions of the control region. Locations of an object from at least one captured image are extracted to identify a location of a feature point of the object. A target region in which the feature point is located is determined. Keys mapped to the target region are determined. Movements of the object are translated as input data to the user interface system.