Estimating fingertip position using image analysis
US9041689B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 2, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 26, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 15, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0488
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A computing device and/or application executing on the device can utilize fingertip tracking using a camera. However, when the fingertip is in a dead zone (an area that is not viewable by the camera), the fingertip tracking cannot function properly. Nevertheless, the position of the fingertip, when in the dead zone, can still be estimated. An image of a user's hand can be captured by at least one camera. A portion of a pointing finger can be detected in the captured image. An orientation of the portion of the pointing finger can be determined. One or more joint lines of the pointing finger can be identified. Based on data about a slant and/or a bend of the pointing finger obtained using information relating to the identified joint line(s), and/or on data obtained via calibration and/or historic/current usage, the position of the fingertip, when in the dead zone, can be approximated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.