Wearable Gesture Sensor for Self-Propelled Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remotely operated self-propelled devices rely on limited preconfigured commands communicated through analog or digital controllers, lacking intuitive user interaction, especially in wearable technology integrated into daily activities like sports or gaming.
Innovation Solution
A multi-modal portable sensing device that detects user gestures using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and communicates with self-propelled devices via wireless connections, enabling control through arm movements and orientation, allowing users to interact with devices in a more intuitive and immersive manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional analog or digital controllers are used to operate self-propelled devices, then the device can be controlled with preconfigured commands, but the user interaction is limited and lacks intuitiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical controllers (analog sticks, digital buttons) with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that detects user gestures and body movements. This substitution enables more intuitive and versatile control by translating natural physical movements into device commands, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameters from discrete button presses to continuous motion detection across multiple axes (x, y, z coordinates and rotational movements). This allows the controller to interpret a broader range of user inputs, enhancing both the intuitiveness and versatility of device operation.
2Ease of operation
If wearable devices are integrated into routine activities, then user convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device integrates multiple functions including gesture recognition, spatial orientation tracking, and wireless communication into a single unit. By making the device universal and multi-functional, it provides enhanced convenience without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same hardware components serve multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The IMU automatically detects and interprets user gestures without requiring manual configuration or calibration. The system self-adjusts to user movements and autonomously translates them into control commands, reducing the operational complexity for the user while maintaining wearable convenience.
3Device complexity
If preconfigured commands are used for device control, then the control system is simple, but the quantity of controllable operations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system transitions from static preconfigured commands to dynamic gesture-based control. The IMU continuously monitors user movements and generates corresponding commands in real-time, allowing for a virtually unlimited quantity of controllable operations while maintaining relative system simplicity through software-based gesture recognition.
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
Enhances user interactivity with devices and other users, enabling control of self-propelled devices, smart home integration, and virtual environment interactions, providing a seamless and immersive experience.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-modal portable sensing device that detects user gestures using an inertial measurement unit (IMU)
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable device can be worn by a user, and can include one or more sensors to detect user gestures performed by the user. The wearable device can further include a wireless communication module to establish a communication link with a self-propelled device, and a controller that can generate control commands based on the user gestures. The control commands may be executable to accelerate and maneuver the self-propelled device. The controller may then transmit the control commands to the self-propelled device over the communication link for execution by the self-propelled device.