DE102018203341A1 - Interaction module - Google Patents

Abstract

An interaction module comprises a projector, an optical scanning device and an optical deflection element. The projector is configured to project an image onto a work surface with the work surface extending along a width direction (x) and a depth direction (y) and the projector being displaced along a height direction (z) to the work surface and an optical axis of the projector substantially runs parallel to the work surface. The optical scanning device is designed to determine a gesture of a user in an area between the projector and the work surface and the optical deflection element for deflecting light leaked from the projector in the direction of the work surface.

Description

The invention relates to an interaction module. In particular, the invention relates to an interaction module for controlling a device by means of a gesture relating to an image projected onto a work surface.

An interaction module is arranged to project an image onto a work surface and to evaluate a gesture of a user with respect to the image. In particular, the image may include the appearance of a button or similar element. When the user touches the button, say with a finger, a predetermined control can be triggered. For example, a device in the area of the work surface or a lighting can be switched on or off. The interaction module can be used in a household, especially in a kitchen. In this case, other representations than the button can be projected onto the desktop, such as a written recipe or a video stream.

DE 10 2009 000 653 B4 describes a device for operating an electronic device by means of gesture detection.

The interaction module comprises a projector for projecting the image and an optical scanner for detecting a gesture or touching of an image section by the user. The displayed image should be as large as possible, but is often limited in a depth direction facing away from a user due to the dimensions of the work surface, such as a wall. At the same time, the interaction module mounted above the work surface should not disturb the user in the head or chest area, but should be mounted as far away as possible in the depth direction. In addition, the optical scanning device should possibly be mounted so that a parallax error in the scan is as small as possible.

An object underlying the present invention is to provide an interaction module that can be arranged in an improved space-saving manner but nevertheless can output and scan a large image. The invention achieves this object by means of the subject matter of the independent claim. Subclaims give preferred embodiments again.

An interaction module comprises a projector, an optical scanning device and an optical deflection element. The projector is configured to project an image onto a work surface, with the work surface extending along a width direction (FIG. x ) and a depth direction ( y ) and the projector along a height direction ( z ) is offset to the working surface and an optical axis of the projector is substantially parallel to the work surface. The optical scanning device is designed to determine a gesture of a user in an area between the projector and the work surface and the optical deflecting element for deflecting light leaked from the projector in the direction of the work surface.

Herein, it is assumed that the width direction, the depth direction and the height direction include pairwise angles with each other, and ideally constitute a legal system or a link system. The angles need not necessarily be right angles, certain deviations, for example in the range of about ± 10 ° are also possible without departing from the invention. In the following, it is assumed that there are no restrictions on the generality of mutually perpendicular directions in a legal system. Instead of the direction designations used, other ones may also be used, for example length, width and depth direction, x, y and z direction, etc.

The work surface extends in a plane of the width and depth direction, perpendicular to the height direction. The projector preferably radiates in the width direction on the deflecting element, which may for example comprise a mirror or a prism and deflects the beam direction by 90 ° downwards, counter to the height direction, on the work surface. This allows a very compact design of the interaction module can be realized. In particular, a light exit surface of the projector with respect to external dimensions of the interaction module can be moved far in the direction of a user standing in front of the work surface, so that its head and chest freedom can be large.

The optical axis of the projector may extend substantially along the width direction, wherein the deflecting element deflects about a deflection axis that extends substantially along the depth direction, and the optical scanning device is mounted on the deflection axis. By placing the optical pickup on the rotation axis of the baffle, a parallax error, such as in the scan of a finger with respect to an image projected onto the work surface, may be small. This arrangement can also contribute to the compact construction of the interaction module.

The projector may include a light-emitting or light-directing element such as an LED array, an LCD shutter or a micromirror array, and optics through which both extend the optical axis of the projector. The light-emitting element is configured to be To emit light beam, which can be directed by means of suitable optical means on a projection surface. The optical means usually comprise the optics, which may for example have an arrangement with one or more lenses and / or reflective components. The optics is set up to control an optical image of the light beam on the projection surface. In this case, the light-emitting element may be shifted in the depth direction in order to displace an image projected onto the work surface counter to the depth direction. The image may thereby be asymmetrical in the depth direction to the optical axis, so that it extends further in the direction of the user than in the opposite direction. This may facilitate the placement of the interaction module outside of a user's working or moving area and still take advantage of a large area through the image. The displacement of the light-emitting element to the optic preferably takes place parallel to the work surface. The light-emitting element may comprise, for example, an MMD (micro mirror device) or a liquid crystal element. The optical system typically includes one or more lenses lined up along the optical axis. Dimensions of the light-emitting element and the lenses determine how far a shift is possible without shading or cutting off a portion of the provided image.

The shift more preferably corresponds to about 47%. A value for a maximum allowable displacement is usually provided by a manufacturer of the projector or the optical system, and refers to a line of symmetry of the light-emitting element. In general, it is desirable to maximize as much as possible the maximum allowable shift in the depth direction, at which the image is not yet shaded. With a shift of, for example, 47%, the light-emitting element can extend in the direction of displacement to approximately 75% on one side and about 25% on the other side of a symmetry line of the optical system. The symmetry line usually also includes the optical axis. The distribution of the image on the work surface then usually follows the same length ratios with respect to the deflected optical axis.

The light-emitting element of the projector can be aligned in the height direction with the optics. In other words, a displacement between the light-emitting element and the optics in the height direction can be zero. The emitted image is usually rectangular, while the optics has a round cross-section. By dispensing with a shift in the width direction, the shift in the depth direction can be maximized without cropping the projected image.

The interaction module may further comprise a housing for receiving the projector, the deflecting element and the optical scanning device, wherein the housing is adapted for mounting on the underside of a mounted over the work surface furniture or device. The furniture may in particular comprise a wall unit or the appliance an extractor hood. The interaction module is thus preferably used in the field of a kitchen, where the housing can visually unobtrusive connect to the furniture or device.

The work surface or the projection surface preferably extends further counter to the depth direction than the furniture or device. On the opposite side, ie in the depth direction, the image can be flush with the furniture or device. On this side is often to find a wall or other vertical boundary to which the work surface and / or the furniture or device may be attached. Optionally, in this area between the work surface and the vertical boundary, such as a wall, still be maintained a certain distance from the image, for example, to record a end strip.

The optical scanning device may be inclined with respect to the axis of rotation. In other words, the optical pickup may make an acute angle with the axis of rotation rather than extending parallel to the working plane. An optical axis of the scanning device can thereby be deflected out of the vertical of the work surface. As a result, centers of the projected image and the scanning area can be made to coincide in an improved manner and the optical scanning device can be made compact, which can also support a compact design of the housing of the interaction module.

• 1 ein beispielhaftes System mit einem Interaktionsmodul;
• 2 eine schematische Draufsicht auf ein beispielhaftes geöffnetes Interaktionsmodul;
• 3 eine Darstellung einer exemplarischen Verschiebung optischer Elemente in einem Projektor, sowie eine resultierende Verschiebung eines projizierten Bildes auf einer Projektionsfläche;
• 4 eine Seitenansicht eines weiteren beispielhaften Systems mit einem Interaktionsmodul; und
• 5 eine Vorderansicht noch eines weiteren beispielhaften Systems mit einem Interaktionsmodul

darstellt.The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached figures, in which:

• 1 an exemplary system with an interaction module;
• 2 a schematic plan view of an exemplary open interaction module;
• 3 a representation of an exemplary displacement of optical elements in a projector, as well as a resulting shift of a projected image on a projection screen;
• 4 a side view of another exemplary system with an interaction module; and
• 5 a front view of yet another exemplary system with an interaction module

represents.

1 shows an exemplary system 100 with an interaction module 105 , The illustrated interaction module 105 includes a housing 110 in which preferably a projector 115 , a deflection device 120 and an optical pickup 125 are attached. The interaction module 105 is set up to take a picture 130 on a work surface 135 to project and a gesture in an area between the interaction module 105 and the picture 130 as to the picture 130 to determine. The determination result can be used to control a function. The function can be the control of another device, the interaction module 105 or one by means of the picture 130 reproduced content.

For referencing directions used an xyz coordinate system is drawn. Corresponding coordinate systems in the remaining figures are correct with respect to the selected representation of 1 , The x Direction is also called the width direction, the y direction also the depth direction and the z direction also the height direction. The interaction module 105 is located in the height direction above the work surface 135 , An optical axis 140 of the projector 115 extends parallel to the width direction. The projector radiates along this direction 115 Light off after a short distance by means of the baffle 120 down, against the height direction on the work surface 135 is diverted. It is also a deflection or rotation about a rotation axis 145 spoken. From there, the light spreads in the direction of the work surface 135 and creates the picture there 130 ,

The optical scanning device 125 usually includes at least one, preferably two spaced-apart optical sensors and optionally a dedicated lighting device. The illumination device can be set up in particular for illumination in a non-visible spectral range, for example the infrared range. Alternatively, the projector can also be used for lighting 115 be used. The optical scanning device 125 lies in the area of the axis of rotation 145 , A scanning area on the work surface 135 preferably corresponds to the area of the image 130 , In other words, the scanning range of the optical pickup is 125 preferably within the picture 130 and is more preferably not or not substantially less than this. In this case, the optical scanning device 125 preferably as close as possible along the depth direction on the deflection element 120 attached so that the two elements 120 . 125 with respect to any point of the image 130 enclose as small an angle as possible.

The viewer of 1 facing is a possible user position 150 , In this area is usually a user who has the picture 130 on the work surface 135 View and / or with an object on the desktop 135 can handle. At an opposite boundary of the work surface 135 In the depth direction, a wall or other vertical boundary is often provided. The housing 110 of the interaction module 105 is preferably arranged for hanging mounting on the underside of a piece of furniture or a device, which may also be attached to the vertical surface. Lets a user at the user position 150 receives as much scope for movement is preferred, the interaction module 105 as far away in the depth direction as possible. The picture 130 should still have an available space on the desktop 135 exploit as optimally as possible. In particular, the picture may 130 in the depth direction of the work surface 135 as completely or almost completely exploit.

A usual depth for the work surface 135 in the depth direction is about 60 to 65 cm, while a furniture or device to which the interaction module 105 may be appropriate, usually extends about 30 cm deep from the vertical boundary against the depth direction. A vertical distance in the height direction between the interaction module 105 and the work surface 135 can usually be in a range of about 40 to 80 cm.

2 shows a schematic plan view of an exemplary open interaction module 105 , The height direction extends from the display plane to the viewer. It can be seen how the optical axis 140 along which light from the projector 115 is sent out, with the axis of rotation 145 of the deflecting element 120 crosses. The optical scanning device 125 can be a first sensor 205 and a second sensor 210 include. Both sensors 205 . 210 In particular, surface sensors may comprise in order to optically scan an object. The scanning can be done with respect to light, which by means of the illumination device 215 was sent out. The lighting device 215 In particular, it can be arranged to emit invisible light, which is further preferably imprinted with a predetermined structure, for example a regular or pseudo-random dot pattern, a line or stripe pattern, a pattern of concentric circles, etc. The sensors 205 and 210 are preferably on the axis of rotation 145 , The lighting device 215 is preferably between the sensors 205 and 210 and can also be on the rotation axis 145 lie.

3 shows exemplary optical displacements on a system 100 , In an upper one Area is a schematic view of a light exit surface of the projector 115 shown. A light-emitting element 305 is adapted to provide a light beam of rectangular cross-section towards the viewer of 3 send out. For this, the light beam must be an optical system 310 happen, which usually has a round cross-section. The light-emitting element 305 can be to some degree in height or depth direction relative to the optical system 310 without its limitations being the limit of the optical system 310 touches or leaves. Exemplary symmetry lines of the optical system 310 are shown in the form of a crosshair. The light-emitting element 305 is shifted as far as possible in the depth direction, without the limitation of the optical system 310 to exceed, resulting in a limitation of the image provided 130 would lead. Below a symmetry line of the optical system lying transversely to the direction of displacement 310 the light-emitting element extends 305 by an amount a, for an overall extent in this direction by an amount b.

In a lower area of 3 is a resulting shift of the projected image 130 concerning the interaction module 105 shown in the depth direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the interaction module 105 and the work surface 135 at one of the user position 150 flush with each other in the depth direction. On this side there is a boundary which extends in particular in the vertical direction, for example a wall 315 , The work surface 135 and the interaction module 105 can each be flush with the wall 315 issue.

The picture 130 extends in the depth direction with respect to the optical axis 140 in the same proportions as the sizes a and b in the illustration in the upper area. Since the light-emitting element 305 with respect to the optical system 310 is not shifted in height direction, the picture lies 130 in the width direction symmetrical to the axis of rotation 145 , Due to the usual imaging properties of the optical system 310 are the displacements of the light-emitting element 305 with respect to the optical system 310 and the picture 130 with respect to the optical axis 140 in opposite directions.

4 shows a side view of another exemplary system 100 with an interaction module 105 , The housing 110 of the interaction module 105 is at the bottom of a piece of furniture or gadget 405 attached, which in this case on the wall 315 is attached. That through the interaction module 105 on the work surface 135 provided picture 130 extends with respect to a vertical axis 410 that are perpendicular to the work surface 135 stands and through the optical axis 140 of the projector 115 as well as the rotation axis 145 of the deflecting element 120 runs, asymmetrical. In the depth direction, an opening angle of the emergent light beam is α and opposite to the depth direction γ , in the present case α <γ applies. In other words, the picture extends 130 with respect to the axis 410 continue towards the user position 150 as in the opposite direction.

The optical scanning device 125 is inclined in the illustrated embodiment about an axis substantially parallel to the transverse axis, wherein the inclination angle in the illustration with δ is designated. This applies to the illustrated embodiment, in which the scanning device 125 in the depth direction opposite the projector 140 is offset. In another embodiment, in which the scanning device 125 in the transverse direction towards the projector 140 offset, the scanning device can 125 be inclined about an axis that is substantially parallel to the depth direction. By tilting, the scanning area of the scanner can 125 in the area of the work surface 135 on the projection area of the projector 140 or image area of the image 130 be matched.

5 shows a front view of yet another exemplary system 100 with an interaction module 105 , An observer of the figure is essentially at the viewer's position 150 , with view in depth direction. A beam path through the projector 115 emitted light beam to produce the image 130 on the work surface 135 is indicated. Here is the location of the picture 130 in the transverse direction symmetrical with respect to the optical axis 410 ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

system

105

Interaction module

110

casing

115

projector

120

Deflection device, deflection element

125

optical scanning device

130

image

135

working surface

140

optical axis

145

Rotary axis, deflection axis

150

user location

x

width direction

y

depth direction

z

height direction

205

first sensor

210

second sensor

215

lighting device

305

light-emitting element

310

Optics, optical system

315

vertical boundary, wall

405

Furniture, device

410

vertical axis

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102009000653 B4 [0003]

Claims (8)

Interaction Module (105), comprising: a projector (115) arranged to project an image (130) onto a work surface (135), wherein the work surface (135) extends along a width direction (x) and a depth direction (y) and the projector (115) is displaced along a height direction (z) to the work surface (135), - An optical axis (140) of the projector (115) extends substantially parallel to the work surface (135); - an optical scanner (125) adapted to determine a gesture of a user in an area between the projector (115) and the work surface (135); and - An optical deflecting element (120) for deflecting light from the projector (115) leaked light in the direction of the work surface (135). Interaction module (105) according to Claim 1 , wherein the optical axis (140) extends substantially along the width direction (x), deflects the deflection element (120) about a deflection axis (145) extending substantially along the depth direction (y), and the optical scanning device (125 ) is mounted on the deflection axis (145). Interaction module (105) according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the projector (115) comprises a light-emitting element (305) and optics (310) through which both extend the optical axis (140) of the projector (115) and the light-emitting element (305) in the depth direction (y) is to displace an image (130) projected onto the work surface (135) against the depth direction (y). Interaction module (105) according to Claim 3 , where the shift corresponds to approximately 47%. An interaction module (105) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projector (115) comprises a light emitting element (305) and optics (310) through which both extend the optical axis (140) of the projector (115) and the light emitting element (305) in the height direction (z) with the optics (310) is aligned. An interaction module (105) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a housing (110) for receiving the projector (115), the deflector (120) and the optical scanner (125), the housing (110) being mountable to the underside of a projector is arranged above the work surface (135) of furniture or appliance (405). Interaction module (105) according to Claim 6 , wherein the working surface (135) extends further to the depth direction (y) than the furniture or device (405). An interaction module (105) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical scanning means (125) is inclined with respect to the axis of rotation (145).

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