PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9229534-B2
Application Number: US-201313778172-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Asymmetric mapping for tactile and non-tactile user interfaces

Abstract:
A method, including receiving, by a computer, a sequence of signals indicating a motion of a hand of a user within a predefined area, and segmenting the area into multiple regions. Responsively to the signals, a region is identified in which the hand is located, and a mapping ration is assigned to the motion of the hand based on a direction of the motion and the region in which the hand is located. Using the assigned mapping ratio, a cursor on a display is presented responsively to the indicated motion of the hand.

Claims:
The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method, comprising:
 receiving, by a computer, a sequence of signals indicating a motion of a hand of a user within a predefined area; 
 segmenting the area into multiple regions; 
 identifying, responsively to the signals, a region in which the hand is located; 
 assigning a mapping ratio to the motion of the hand based on a direction of the motion and the region in which the hand is located; and 
 presenting, using the assigned mapping ratio, a cursor on a display responsively to the indicated motion of the hand. 
 
     
     
       2. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the signals indicate the hand manipulating a mouse, and wherein the predefined area comprises a two dimensional area including the mouse, and wherein the region comprises a two dimensional region within the two dimensional area. 
     
     
       3. The method according to  claim 2 , wherein receiving the signals comprises receiving the signals from one or more sensing devices mounted on the mouse, each of the one or more sensing devices selected from a list comprising an optical sensor and an ultrasonic senor. 
     
     
       4. The method according to  claim 2 , wherein receiving the signals comprises receiving the signals from a sensing device configured to collect images of the area, the sensing device selected from a list comprising a two dimensional optical sensor and a three dimensional optical sensor. 
     
     
       5. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the region comprises a two dimensional region within a touchpad, and wherein receiving the signals comprises collecting the signals from tactile sensors positioned within the touchpad. 
     
     
       6. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the motion of the hand comprises a three dimensional gesture performed by the hand, and wherein the predefined area comprises a three dimensional area including the hand, and wherein the region comprises a three dimensional region within the three dimensional area. 
     
     
       7. The method according to  claim 6 , wherein receiving the signals comprises collecting, from a three dimensional sensing device, three dimensional information of the area. 
     
     
       8. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the mapping ratio is inversely related to a difficulty of moving the hand in the direction of the motion within the region. 
     
     
       9. The method according to  claim 8 , wherein the difficulty comprises an impediment positioned in proximity to the hand and in the direction of the motion, the impediment selected from a list comprising an edge of the area and an obstacle positioned within the area. 
     
     
       10. An apparatus, comprising:
 a sensing device; and 
 a computer executing a mixed modality user interface, and configured to receive, from the sensing device, a sequence of signals indicating a motion of a hand of a user within a predefined area, to segment the area into multiple regions, to identify, responsively to the signals, a region in which the hand is located, to assign a mapping ratio to the motion of the hand based on a direction of the motion and the region in which the hand is located, and to present, using the assigned mapping ratio, a cursor on a display responsively to the indicated motion of the hand. 
 
     
     
       11. The apparatus according to  claim 10 , and comprising a mouse, and wherein the signals indicate the hand manipulating a mouse, and wherein the predefined area comprises a two dimensional area including the mouse, and wherein the region comprises a two dimensional region within the two dimensional area. 
     
     
       12. The apparatus according to  claim 11 , and comprising one or more sensing devices mounted on the mouse, and wherein the computer is configured to receive the signals from the one or more sensing devices, each of the one or more sensing devices selected from a list comprising an optical sensor and an ultrasonic senor. 
     
     
       13. The apparatus according to  claim 11 , and comprising a sensing device configured to collect images of the area, and wherein the computer is configured to receive the signals from the sensing device, the sensing device selected from a list comprising a two dimensional optical sensor and a three dimensional optical sensor. 
     
     
       14. The apparatus according to  claim 10 , and comprising a touchpad having tactile sensors positioned within the touchpad, wherein the area is comprised in the touchpad, and wherein the region comprises a two dimensional region on the touchpad, and wherein the computer is configured to receive the signals from the tactile sensors. 
     
     
       15. The apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein the motion of the hand comprises a three dimensional gesture performed by the hand, and wherein the predefined area comprises a three dimensional area including the hand, and wherein the region comprises a three dimensional region within the three dimensional area. 
     
     
       16. The apparatus according to  claim 15 , and comprising a three dimensional sensing device configured to collect three dimensional information of the area, and wherein the computer is configured to receive the signals from the three dimensional sensing device. 
     
     
       17. The apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein the mapping ratio is inversely related to a difficulty of moving the hand in the direction of the motion within the region. 
     
     
       18. The apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein the difficulty comprises an impediment positioned in proximity to the hand and in the direction of the motion, the impediment selected from a list comprising an edge of the area and an obstacle positioned within the area. 
     
     
       19. A computer software product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium, in which program instructions are stored, which instructions, when read by a computer, cause the computer to receive a sequence of signals indicating a motion of a hand of a user within a predefined area, to segment the area into multiple regions, to identify responsively to the signals, a region in which the hand is located, to assign a mapping ratio to the motion of the hand based on a direction of the motion and the region in which the hand is located, and to present, using the assigned mapping ratio, a cursor on a display responsively to the indicated motion of the hand.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/603,949, filed Feb. 28, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to user interfaces for computerized systems, and specifically to user interfaces that are configured to interact with tactile and non-tactile input devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many different types of user interface devices and methods are currently available. Common tactile interface devices include the computer keyboard, mouse and joystick. Touch screens detect the presence and location of a touch by a finger or other object within the display area. Infrared remote controls are widely used, and “wearable” hardware devices have been developed, as well, for purposes of remote control. 
     Computer interfaces based on three-dimensional (3D) sensing of parts of the user&#39;s body have also been proposed. For example, PCT International Publication WO 03/071410, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, describes a gesture recognition system using depth-perceptive sensors. A 3D sensor provides position information, which is used to identify gestures created by a body part of interest. The gestures are recognized based on a shape of a body part and its position and orientation over an interval. The gesture is classified for determining an input into a related electronic device. 
     As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,348,963, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, describes an interactive video display system, in which a display screen displays a visual image, and a camera captures 3D information regarding an object in an interactive area located in front of the display screen. A computer system directs the display screen to change the visual image in response to changes in the object. 
     Documents incorporated by reference in the present patent application are to be considered an integral part of the application except that to the extent any terms are defined in these incorporated documents in a manner that conflicts with the definitions made explicitly or implicitly in the present specification, only the definitions in the present specification should be considered. 
     The description above is presented as a general overview of related art in this field and should not be construed as an admission that any of the information it contains constitutes prior art against the present patent application. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     There is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a method, including receiving, by a computer, a sequence of signals indicating a motion of a hand of a user within a predefined area, segmenting the area into multiple regions, identifying, responsively to the signals, a region in which the hand is located, assigning a mapping ratio to the motion of the hand based on a direction of the motion and the region in which the hand is located, and presenting, using the assigned mapping ratio, a cursor on a display responsively to the indicated motion of the hand. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention an apparatus, including a sensing device, and a computer executing a mixed modality user interface, and configured to receive, from the sensing device, a sequence of signals indicating a motion of a hand of a user within a predefined area, to segment the area into multiple regions, to identify, responsively to the signals, a region in which the hand is located, to assign a mapping ratio to the motion of the hand based on a direction of the motion and the region in which the hand is located, and to present, using the assigned mapping ratio, a cursor on a display responsively to the indicated motion of the hand. 
     There is further provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a computer software product, including a non-transitory computer-readable medium, in which program instructions are stored, which instructions, when read by a computer, cause the computer to receive a sequence of signals indicating a motion of a hand of a user within a predefined area, to segment the area into multiple regions, to identify responsively to the signals, a region in which the hand is located, to assign a mapping ratio to the motion of the hand based on a direction of the motion and the region in which the hand is located, and to present, using the assigned mapping ratio, a cursor on a display responsively to the indicated motion of the hand. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic, pictorial illustration of a computer system implementing a mixed modality user interface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a flow diagram that schematically illustrates a method of asymmetric mapping for a tactile pointing device coupled to the computer system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention 
         FIG. 3  is a first schematic top view of a two dimensional (2D) surface comprising an inner 2D region and an outer 2D region, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a second schematic top view of the 2D surface comprising the inner and the outer 2D regions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a third schematic top view of the 2D surface comprising historical positions of a mouse for use in a statistical model, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic pictorial illustration of a touchpad comprising the inner and the outer 2D regions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram that schematically illustrates a method of asymmetric mapping for three dimensional (3D) gestures performed by a user interacting with the mixed modality user interface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic illustration of an inner three dimensional (3D) region, surrounded by an outer 3D region, that are used by the mixed modality user interface when interpreting gestures performed by the user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  shows first schematic pictorial illustrations of the user interacting with a virtual keyboard by performing a side-to-side gesture within the inner and the outer 3D regions, in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention; 
         FIG. 10  shows second schematic pictorial illustrations of the user interacting with the virtual keyboard by performing a side-to-side gesture within the inner and the outer 3D regions, in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention; and 
         FIG. 11  shows third schematic pictorial illustrations of the user interacting with the virtual keyboard by performing a side-to-side gesture within the inner and the outer 3D regions, in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     When interacting with a computer executing a tactile two dimensional (2D) user interface, a user typically manipulates a physical input device such as a mouse positioned on a two-dimensional surface (e.g., a table or a desktop) comprising a horizontal X-axis and a depth Z-axis. Based on the configuration of the 2D surface, the computer system can dynamically map a virtual motion of a cursor presented on the display screen to the physical motion of the mouse. 
     Alternatively, when interacting with a computer executing a non-tactile three dimensional (3D) user interface, the user may perform gestures in mid-air, and perform the gestures from different positions within a field of view of a 3D sensor coupled to the computer. The gestures may include moving a limb (e.g., a hand) up and down, forward and backward, and side to side, and the computer can dynamically map a virtual motion of a cursor presented on the display screen to the physical motion of the limb. 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for a computer executing a mixed modality user interface to asymmetrically map input from a user when presenting a cursor on a display. In the embodiments described herein, the mixed modality user interface can be configured to accept signals from both tactile and non-tactile input devices. Examples of tactile input devices include, but are not limited to pointing devices such as keyboards, mice and touchpads. An example of a non-tactile input device comprises a 3D sensor configured to detect a user performing non-tactile 3D gestures. 
     In some embodiments, the computer receives a sequence of signals indicating a motion of a hand of a user within a predefined area. In the disclosure and in the claims, reference to an area is to be taken as reference to an extent of space, so that an area may be considered as a two-dimensional (2D) region or as a three-dimensional region. The motion of the hand may comprise a motion of the whole hand or any part of the hand, including fingers. The signals may be received from a 3D sensing device configured to generate signals that indicate the motion of the hand, or from a tactile pointing device configured to generate signals that indicate the motion of the hand that is holding or operating the device. 
     Upon receiving the signals indicating the motion of the hand, the computer can segment the area into multiple regions (either 2D or 3D), identify a region in which the hand is located, and assign, based on a direction of the motion and the region in which the hand is located, a mapping ratio to the motion of the hand. The computer can then present, using the assigned mapping ratio, a cursor on a display responsively to the indicated motion of the hand. 
     The mapping ratio may comprise a ratio between the user&#39;s motion and a corresponding motion of a cursor on a display. For example, if the mapping ratio is 1:1, then for every centimeter the user moves a mouse, the computer responsively moves the cursor one centimeter on a display, and if the mapping ratio is 1:2 then for every centimeter the user moves a mouse, the computer responsively moves the cursor two centimeters on the display. 
     In some embodiments, the mapping ratio can be inversely related to a difficulty of performing the motion of the hand. For example, as a user moves the hand further from the body, the user may extend joints in her/his elbow and/or shoulder, making the motion more difficult. The computer can compensate for the difficulty by assigning more significance to the motion (i.e., a lower mapping ratio) as the motion becomes more difficult. Likewise, the user returning the hand closer to the body comprises an easier motion, and the computer can assign less significance (i.e., a higher mapping ratio) to the motion as the motion becomes easier. 
     Therefore, as explained hereinbelow, a mixed modality user interface implementing embodiments of the present invention may define the regions with either symmetric mapping ratios (where any motion within the region is mapped using a single mapping ratio), or asymmetric mapping ratios (where different motions within the region are mapped with different mapping ratios). 
     System Description 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic, pictorial illustration of a mixed modality user interface  20  (also referred to herein as user interface  20 ) for operation by a user  22  of a computer  24 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As explained in detail hereinbelow, user interface  20  is configured to accept input from user  22  in a tactile modality via tactile devices (e.g., a keyboard and/or a mouse) and/or via 3D gestures, in a non-tactile modality, performed by the user. In embodiments described below, computer  24  is configured to process the inputs received from the user in order to control a cursor  26  presented on a display  28 . 
     The non-tactile modality is based on a 3D sensing device  30  coupled to the computer, which captures 3D scene information of a scene that includes the body (or at least a body part, such as one or more of hands  32 ) of the user. Device  30  or a separate camera/optical sensor (not shown in the figures) may also capture video images of the scene. The information captured by device  30  is processed by computer  24 , which drives display  28  accordingly. 
     Computer  24 , executing mixed modality user interface  20 , processes data generated by device  30  in order to reconstruct a 3D map of user  22 . The term “3D map” refers to a set of 3D coordinates measured, by way of example, with reference to a generally horizontal X-axis  34  in space, a generally vertical Y-axis  36  in space and a depth Z-axis  38  in space, based on device  30 . The 3D coordinates represent the surface of a given object, in this case the user&#39;s body. In one embodiment, device  30  projects a pattern of spots onto the object and captures an image of the projected pattern. Computer  24  then computes the 3D coordinates of points on the surface of the user&#39;s body by triangulation, based on transverse shifts of the spots in the pattern. Methods and devices for this sort of triangulation-based 3D mapping using a projected pattern are described, for example, in PCT International Publications WO 2007/043036, WO 2007/105205 and WO 2008/120217, whose disclosures are incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, interface  20  may use other methods of 3D mapping, using single or multiple cameras or other types of sensors, as are known in the art. 
     The tactile modality of user interface  20  processes input from tactile input devices such as a keyboard  40  and a mouse  42 . As explained in detail hereinbelow, computer  24  may be configured to process signals generated by device  30  in order to determine a position of mouse  42  on a two dimensional area such as a desktop  44 . While the example shown in  FIG. 1  shows computer  24  configured to determine a position of mouse  42  on desktop  44  by processing images received from 3D sensing device  30 , in an alternative configuration, the computer may be configured to determine the position of the mouse on the desktop by processing images received from a two dimensional optical sensor (not shown). 
     Additionally, computer  24  may be configured to process signals generated by device  30  in order to determine a position of mouse  42  relative to relative to physical obstacles (e.g., keyboard  40 ) and edges  46  of the desktop. In the embodiments described herein, the edges and physical obstacles such as the keyboard may collectively be referred to as impediments. 
     In some embodiments, mouse  42  may comprise one or more sensing devices  48  (e.g., optical or ultrasonic sensors) positioned on the sides and/or the top of the mouse, and computer  24  can be configured to process signals from sensing devices  48  in order to determine a position of the mouse relative to the physical obstacles and the edges. In the configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , each sensing device  48  comprises an optical sensor having a field of view  50 . 
     Computer  24  typically comprises a general-purpose computer processor, which is programmed in software to carry out the functions described hereinbelow. The software may be downloaded to the processor in electronic form, over a network, for example, or it may alternatively be provided on non-transitory tangible media, such as optical, magnetic, or electronic memory media. Alternatively or additionally, some or all of the functions of the image processor may be implemented in dedicated hardware, such as a custom or semi-custom integrated circuit or a programmable digital signal processor (DSP). Although computer  24  is shown in  FIG. 1 , by way of example, as a separate unit from sensing device  30 , some or all of the processing functions of the computer may be performed by suitable dedicated circuitry within the housing of the sensing device or otherwise associated with the sensing device. 
     As another alternative, these processing functions may be carried out by a suitable processor that is integrated with display  28  (in a television set, for example) or with any other suitable sort of computerized device, such as a game console or media player. The sensing functions of device  30  may likewise be integrated into the computer or other computerized apparatus that is to be controlled by the sensor output. 
     Asymmetric 2D Mapping for a Tactile User Interface 
       FIG. 2  is a flow diagram that schematically illustrates a method of asymmetrically mapping a physical motion of mouse  42  to a corresponding motion of cursor  26  on display  28 , and  FIG. 3  is a first schematic top view desktop  44  comprising an inner 2D region  80  within an outer 2D region  82 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiments described herein, inner 2D region  80  may also be referred to as inner region  80  and outer 2D region  82  may also be referred to as outer region  82 . 
     In a presentation step  60 , computer  24  presents cursor  26  at a first position on display  28 , and in a receive step  62 , the computer receives a sequence of signals indicating a motion of mouse  42  on desktop  44 . In some embodiments, mouse  42  may comprise an optical mouse or a laser mouse, and the sequence of signals may be generated by an optical sensor (not shown) positioned on the bottom of the mouse in response to hand  32  manipulating the mouse. In alternative embodiments, the signal may be generated by sensing devices  48  mounted on sides of the mouse, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     In additional embodiments, sensing device  30  may generate a sequence of 3D maps that indicate positions of mouse  42  on desktop  44 . While the embodiments disclosed herein describe 3D sensing device  30  capturing 3D depth maps indicating the motion of mouse  42  on desktop  44 , other optical sensors configured to capture two dimensional images indicating the motion of the mouse are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     In a segmentation step  64 , computer  24  segments desktop  44  into multiple regions. In the example shown in  FIG. 3 , computer  24  segments desktop  44  into inner region  80  that is surrounded by outer region  82 . In an assign step  66 , computer  24  assigns one or more mapping ratios to each of the regions, and in an identification step  68 , the computer identifies a location and a direction of the motion of mouse  42 . As described hereinbelow, computer  24  can assign the one or more mapping ratios for each of the multiple regions based on the direction of the motion of the mouse. Finally, in a repositioning step  70 , computer  24  uses the mapping ratio associated with the location (i.e., region) and the direction of the motion of mouse  42  to responsively reposition cursor  26  on display  28 . 
     For example, if the received sequence of signals indicates that either the user is moving the mouse in any direction within inner 2D region  80  (as indicated by arrows  84 ), or that the user is moving the mouse within outer 2D region  82  and toward the inner 2D region (as indicated by arrows  86 ) then computer  24  can assign uses a first mapping ratio when positioning cursor  26  on display  28 . However, if the received sequence of 3D maps indicates that the user is moving the mouse within outer 2D region  82  and away from inner 2D region  80  (as indicated by arrows  88 ), then the computer uses a second mapping ratio when positioning cursor  26  on display  28 . In some embodiments, if the user moves the mouse in non-radial directions within outer region  82  (i.e., not away or toward the inner 2D region), computer  24  can symmetrically map the mouse motion using an additional mapping ratio. 
     As user  22  moves mouse  42  within outer 2D region  82  and away from inner 2D region  80 , the motion typically becomes more difficult as the user extends joints in her/his elbow and/or shoulder. Computer  24  can compensate for the difficulty by assigning more significance to the motion as the motion becomes more difficult. For example, computer  24  can set the first mapping ratio to 1:1 and the second mapping ratio to 1:2. In other words, if user  22  moves mouse  42  one centimeter while performing an “easy” motion (i.e., a motion indicated by arrows  84  and  86 ), then computer  24  can reposition cursor  26  one centimeter in response to the mouse movement. However, if user  22  moves mouse  42  one centimeter while performing a “difficult” motion (i.e., a motion indicated by arrows  88 ), then computer  24  can reposition cursor  26  two centimeters in response to the mouse movement. 
     In operation, upon detecting that the user is moving the mouse toward an impediment (e.g., an edge of the 2D surface or an obstacle such as a keyboard), computer  24  can utilize the second mapping ratio to increase the “speed” of cursor  26  on display. By speeding up cursor  26 , computer  24  “encourages” user  22  to slow down the physical motion of mouse  42  so that the mouse does not reach the impediment. 
     While the configuration shown in  FIG. 3  shows inner 2D region  80  and outer 2D region  82  comprising concentric circles around a center  90 , other shapes of the inner and outer 2D regions are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally or alternatively, while the configuration described herein comprises a single outer 2D region  82  surrounding inner 2D region  80 , in alternative embodiments, computer  24  may define multiple outer 2D regions surrounding the inner 2D region, with each of the outer 2D regions having an associated mapping ratio. 
     In further embodiments, computer  24  may define the mapping ratio in outer 2D region  82  as a function, typically a relatively smoothly graded function, of the distance from inner center  90 . Alternatively, computer  24  may implement a continuous model, where the mapping ratio in proximity to center  90  is symmetric, and the mapping ratio gradually becomes more asymmetric with any radial motion outward from the center. 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic top view of a second embodiment of inner 2D region  80  and outer 2D region  82  on desktop  44 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the configuration shown in  FIG. 4 , computer  24  receives, in step  62 , a sequence of signals indicating positions of keyboard  40  (or any other obstacle such as a coffee cup), edges  46 , and mouse  42 . 
     As user  22  moves mouse  42  toward edges  46  and obstacles such as keyboard  40 , the user typically slows down the speed of the mouse movement in order to avoid the mouse touching the keyboard or moving the mouse off desktop  44 . Therefore, based on the position of edges  46  and obstacles such as keyboard  40 , computer  24  can define inner 2D region  80  and outer 2D region  82  based on the received positions of the keyboard and the edges. In the example shown in  FIG. 4 , the inner 2D region and the outer 2D region may be dynamic, since user  22  may move keyboard  40  and/or place additional obstacles (e.g., a cup) on the desktop. 
     In embodiments where mouse  42  includes optical sensors  48 , computer  24  can process signals from sensing devices  48  to determine if the mouse is positioned within inner 2D region  80  or within outer 2D region  82 . If the signals received from sensing devices  48  indicate that the mouse is near keyboard  40  or edges  46 , then computer  24  can determined that mouse  42  is within a given section of outer region  82 , and the computer can use the second mapping ratio to reposition cursor  26  on display  28  responsively to the mouse movement. However, if the signals received from sensing devices  48  do not indicate that the mouse is near keyboard  40  or edges  46 , then computer  24  can determine that the mouse is within inner region  80 , and the computer can use the first mapping ratio when repositioning cursor  26  on display  28  responsively to the mouse movement. 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic top view of surface  44  comprising historical positions  100  of mouse  42 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In operation, computer  24  captures positions  100  as user  22  moves mouse  42  on surface  44 . Computer  24  can capture positions  100  from sensing device  30  or sensing devices  48 , as described supra. After collecting positions  100 , computer  24  can apply a statistical model that analyzes the positions in order to define inner 2D region  80  and outer 2D region  82 . 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic pictorial illustration of user  22  interacting with mixed modality user interface  20  by moving a finger  110  along a touchpad  112 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in  FIG. 6 , computer  24  can define, based on signals received from tactile sensors (not shown) positioned within the touchpad, inner region  80  and outer region  82  on touchpad  112 , so that the computer  26  can position cursor  26  using a smaller mapping ratio (e.g., 1:2) that applies greater significance to the finger movement as finger  110  moves closer to an impediment, e.g., one of touchpad edges  114 . 
     Asymmetric 3D Mapping for a Non-Tactile User Interface 
       FIG. 7  is a flow diagram that schematically illustrates a method of asymmetrically mapping a 3D gesture performed by hand  32  to a corresponding motion of cursor  26  on display  28 , and  FIG. 8  is a schematic illustration of a 3D area  144  comprising an inner 3D region  140  within an outer 3D region  142 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiments described herein, user  22  can perform 3D gestures by moving hand within 3D area  144 . Additionally, inner 3D region  140  may also be referred to as inner region  140  and outer 3D region  142  may also be referred to as outer region  142 . 
     In a presentation step  120 , computer  24  presents cursor  26  at a first position on display  28 , and in a receive step  122 , the computer receives, from sensing device  30 , a sequence of images indicating a motion of hand  32  within area  144  that includes the hand. In a segmentation step  124 , computer  24  segments area  144  into multiple regions. In the example shown in  FIG. 8 , computer  24  segments area  144  into inner 3D region  140  that is surrounded by outer 3D region  142 . 
     In an assign step  126 , computer  24  assigns one or more mapping ratios to each of the regions, and in an identification step  128 , the computer identifies a location and a direction of the motion of hand  32 . As described hereinbelow, each of the multiple regions may have multiple mapping ratios that are selected based on the direction of the motion of hand  32 . 
     Finally, in a repositioning step  130 , computer  24  uses the mapping ratio associated with the location (i.e., region) and the direction of the motion of the hand to responsively reposition cursor  26  on display  28 . To reposition cursor  26 , computer  24  can extract, from the sequence of 3D maps, 3D coordinates indicating a motion of the user&#39;s hand in one of the multiple 3D regions, and map a physical position of the hand to a virtual position in a virtual space defined by the computer. 
       FIGS. 9 ,  10  and  11  are schematic pictorial illustrations of user  22  interacting with a virtual keyboard  150  (presented on display  28 ) by performing, with hand  32 , a 3D gesture within inner 3D region  140  and outer 3D region  142 , in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In the example shown in  FIGS. 9-11 , user  22  performs side-to-side gestures by moving hand  32  along X-axis  34 . As user  22  moves hand  32 , computer  24  constructs, using the sequence of images received in step  122 , a corresponding sequence of 3D maps indicating a position of the user, including the hand. 
     In  FIG. 9 , as user  22  moves hand  32  between a position  160  and a position  162  (as indicated by a double-headed arrow  164 ), computer  24  identifies that positions  160  and  162  are within inner 3D region  140 , and uses a first mapping ratio when repositioning cursor  26  between a position  166  and a position  168  (as indicated by a double-headed arrow  170 ) in response to the hand movement. For example, if the first ratio is 1:1, then computer  26  moves the cursor one centimeter in response to the received sequence of 3D maps indicating that the user moved the hand one centimeter. 
     In  FIG. 10 , as user  22  moves hand  32  from a position  180  to a position  182  (as indicated by a single-headed arrow  184 ), computer  24  identifies that positions  180  and  182  are within outer 3D region  142 , and uses a second mapping ratio when repositioning cursor  26  on display  28 . While in outer 3D region  142 , it typically becomes more difficult to move the hand away from inner 3D region  140  as the user extends his arm. To compensate for the difficulty of moving hand  32  from position  180  to position  182 , computer  24  can assign greater significance to hand motion in the second mapping ratio. For example, the computer can assign 1:1 to the first mapping ratio, and 1:2 to the second mapping ratio. 
     In other words, computer  24  can assign a mapping ratio that is inversely related to a difficulty of moving the hand in a direction of a motion within a given one of the regions. As described herein, the difficulty may comprise:
         User  22  moving hand  32  so that muscles and tendons in the arm extend.   User  22  pulling hand  32  back toward the user&#39;s body, so that the user&#39;s forearm presses against an obstacle such as the user&#39;s arm or body.   While performing a 3D gesture, user  22  moving hand  32  toward an obstacle (described in detail hereinbelow).       

     Continuing the example described supra (i.e., the first mapping ratio being 1:1), if the second ratio is 1:2, then computer  24  repositions the cursor two centimeters in response to the received sequence of 3D maps indicating that the user moved the hand one centimeter. Therefore as shown in  FIG. 10 , a relatively small motion of moving hand  32  from position  180  to position  182  results in computer  24  moving cursor  26  a greater distance on display  28 , from a position  186  to a position  188 , as indicated by a single-headed arrow  190 . 
     In  FIG. 11 , user  22  moves hand  32  in a motion indicated by a single-headed arrow  192  in order to reposition cursor  26  back to position  186 . However, since computer  24  identifies that the motion starts in outer 3D region  142  and moves toward inner 3D region  140 , the computer can use the first mapping ratio when positioning cursor  26  on display  28 , since the motion is “easy,” i.e., has less difficulty than other motions. Therefore, when user  22  moves hand  32  back to position  180 , computer  24  moves cursor  26  in a motion indicated by an arrow  194  to a position  196 , which is in-between positions  188  and  186 . 
     To move cursor  26  back to position  186 , user  22  continues moving hand  32  in the motion indicated by arrow  192  until hand  32  reaches a position  198 . Note that when user  22  started moving hand  32  from position  180  in  FIG. 10 , computer  24  presented cursor  26  at position  186 . Due to the asymmetric mapping embodiments described herein, after moving hand to position  182  (i.e., a “difficult” motion), the user needs to move hand greater distance (albeit via an easier motion) to position  198  in order to have computer  24  reposition the cursor back to position  186 . 
     As user  22  performs a gesture by extending hand  32  into outer 3D region  142 , the asymmetric mapping embodiments of the present invention help compel user  22  to “drift” hand  32  back to a more comfortable position within inner 3D region  140 . In a similar manner, embodiments of the present invention can be used to enable user  22  to keep mouse  42  positioned within inner 2D region  80 . Therefore, ongoing interaction with mixed modality user interface  20  typically drives user  22  to “drift” hand  32  back to a more comfortable position, i.e., inner 3D region  140 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , when user  22  initially positions hand  32  at position  180  (within region  142 ), computer  24  presents cursor  26  at position  186 . However, as shown in  FIG. 11 , to reposition cursor  26  back to position  186 , user  22  moves hand  32  to position  198 , which is in the center of region  140 . Therefore, computer  24  “preserves space” for motion within region  140 , but does not preserve space once user  22  moves hand  32  out to region  142 . 
     Although the configuration shown in  FIGS. 8-11  shows inner 3D region  140  comprising concentric cubes, other shapes of the inner and outer regions are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally or alternatively, while the configuration described herein comprises a single outer 3D region  142  surrounding inner 3D region  140 , in some embodiments, computer  24  may define multiple outer 3D regions surrounding the inner 3D region, with each of the outer 3D regions having an associated mapping ratio. In further embodiments, computer  24  may define the mapping ratio in outer 3D region  142  as a function of the distance from inner 3D region  140 . 
     In additional embodiments, computer  24  may dynamically define the inner and the outer 3D regions as non-uniform regions, depending on obstacles identified in the area (i.e., via the 3D maps captured by sensing device  24 ) that may restrict movement of the user&#39;s hand. Obstacles may include the user&#39;s head, the user&#39;s body, or any fixed object in the room (e.g., a wall or furniture). Dynamically defining the inner and the outer 3D regions can “encourage” the user to gradually “drift” hand  32  away from the identified objects. 
     In further embodiments, computer  24  can identify the inner and the outer 3D regions by tracking, over time, the movement of hand  32  (or any other limb of user  22 ). In other words, based on the tracked (i.e., historical) motion of hand  32 , the computer can define the inner and the outer 3D regions. For example, computer  26  can process captured depth maps in order to track positions of hand  32 . Tracking hand points is described in further detail in PCT International Publication WO IB2010/051055, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above are cited by way of example, and that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not disclosed in the prior art.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20130227
Publication Date: 20160105
Grant Date: 20160105
Priority Date: 20120228
Inventors: GALOR MICHA
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/0481", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/017", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0481", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/017", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 49002276