阅读说明：本技术 虚拟控制装置和系统 (Virtual control device and system ) 是由 A·艾克伦布姆 于 2018-07-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种虚拟控制系统,包括控制单元、手势识别装置和全息图产生装置。全息图产生装置被配置为在第一空间体积中产生全息图。手势识别装置被配置为识别第一空间体积内的适当手势。控制单元被配置为在手势识别装置识别出适当手势时向要控制的部件发送信号。(A virtual control system includes a control unit, a gesture recognition device, and a hologram generation device. The hologram generating device is configured to generate a hologram in a first volume of space. The gesture recognition device is configured to recognize an appropriate gesture within the first volume of space. The control unit is configured to send a signal to the component to be controlled when the gesture recognition means recognizes an appropriate gesture.)

1. A virtual control system, comprising:

a control unit for controlling the operation of the display unit,

gesture recognition apparatus, and

a hologram generating device for generating a hologram of a hologram,

wherein the hologram generating means is configured to generate a hologram in a first volume of space, wherein the gesture recognition means is configured to recognize an appropriate gesture within the first volume of space, and wherein the control unit is configured to send a signal to the component to be controlled when the gesture recognition means recognizes the appropriate gesture.

2. The virtual control system of claim 1, further comprising a sound field generator, wherein the sound field generator is configured to generate a sound field in a second spatial volume, wherein the first spatial volume and the second spatial volume at least partially overlap to form a virtual control volume, wherein the gesture recognition device is configured to recognize an appropriate gesture within the virtual control volume.

3. The virtual control system of claim 2, wherein the virtual control system is associated with an aircraft lavatory, and wherein the hologram is one of a knob, a button, a lever, or a switch.

4. The virtual control system of claim 3, wherein the hologram is generated in a location adjacent to the component to be controlled.

5. The virtual control system of claim 4, further comprising a motion sensor, wherein the hologram is generated when the motion sensor senses motion.

6. A method of switching a component to be controlled from a first state to a second state, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a virtual control system comprising a control unit, a sound field generator, gesture recognition means and hologram generation means, wherein the hologram generation means is configured to generate a hologram in a first spatial volume, wherein the sound field generator is configured to generate a sound field in a second spatial volume, wherein the first and second spatial volumes at least partially overlap to form a virtual control volume, wherein the gesture recognition means is configured to recognize a motion or gesture of a person within the virtual control volume,

a hologram is projected in a first volume of space,

an acoustic field is generated in the second spatial volume,

sending a signal to the control unit when the gesture recognition means recognizes an appropriate gesture within the virtual control volume, an

A signal is sent from the control unit to the component to be controlled and the component to be controlled is switched from the first state to the second state.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the virtual control system is associated with an aircraft lavatory, and wherein the hologram is one of a knob, button, lever, or switch.

8. An aircraft lavatory, comprising:

a housing defining an interior of the toilet,

a door movable between open and closed positions,

a water tank positioned in the toilet,

a toilet bowl positioned in the toilet,

a virtual control system comprising a control unit, a gesture recognition device and a hologram generation device, wherein the hologram generation device is configured to generate a hologram in a first volume of space inside the toilet, wherein the gesture recognition device is configured to recognize an appropriate gesture within the first volume of space, wherein the control unit is configured to send a signal to a component to be controlled when the gesture recognition device recognizes the appropriate gesture, and wherein the component to be controlled is associated with one of a toilet, sink or door.

9. The aircraft lavatory of claim 8, further comprising an acoustic field generator, wherein the acoustic field generator is configured to generate an acoustic field in a second spatial volume inside the lavatory, wherein the first spatial volume and the second spatial volume at least partially overlap to form a virtual control volume, wherein the gesture recognition device is configured to recognize an appropriate gesture within the virtual control volume.

10. The aircraft lavatory of claim 8, wherein the hologram is configured to be generated when the door is moved from the closed position to the open position.

11. The aircraft lavatory of claim 8, further comprising a motion sensor, wherein the hologram is generated when the motion sensor is activated.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to virtual control devices and systems, and more particularly to virtual control devices and systems that may be used in aircraft toilets.

Background

Public restrooms, particularly on airplanes, can be very dirty. Therefore, passengers try to touch as little as possible in the toilet. Accordingly, a system for providing a non-contact "button" or control is an improvement over current aircraft toilets.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a virtual control system comprising a control unit, gesture recognition means and hologram generation means. The hologram generating device is configured to generate a hologram in a first volume of space. The gesture recognition device is configured to recognize an appropriate gesture within the first volume of space. The control unit is configured to send a signal to the component to be controlled when the gesture recognition means recognizes an appropriate gesture. In a preferred embodiment, the virtual control system comprises a sound field generator configured to generate a sound field in the second spatial volume. The first spatial volume and the second spatial volume at least partially overlap to form a virtual control volume. The gesture recognition device is configured to recognize an appropriate gesture within the virtual control volume. It will be appreciated that the appropriate gesture is the only gesture by the user that causes a signal to be sent to the component to be controlled (and switched from the first state to the second state). For example, in case the twisting motion is a suitable gesture of the knob, no signal is sent if the user simply puts a hand in the first spatial volume or the virtual control volume. In other words, the door does not open. Appropriate gestures are required to prevent accidental switching on or off of the components.

In a preferred embodiment, the virtual control system is associated with an aircraft toilet and the hologram has or will be perceived by a user as one of a knob, button, lever or switch. Preferably, the hologram is generated in a position adjacent to the component to be controlled.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of switching a component to be controlled from a first state to a second state is provided. The method comprises providing a virtual control system comprising a control unit, a sound field generator, a gesture recognition device and a hologram generation device. The hologram generating device is configured to generate a hologram in a first spatial volume and the sound field generator is configured to generate a sound field in a second spatial volume. The first spatial volume and the second spatial volume at least partially overlap to form a virtual control volume. The gesture recognition device is configured to recognize, perceive, determine or detect a motion or gesture of a person within the virtual control volume. The method further comprises projecting the hologram in a first spatial volume, generating a sound field in a second spatial volume, sending a signal to the control unit when the gesture recognition means recognizes an appropriate gesture within the virtual control volume, and sending a signal from the control unit to the component to be controlled and switching the component to be controlled from the first state to the second state.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an aircraft lavatory is provided that includes an enclosure defining a lavatory interior, a door movable between an open position and a closed position, a sink positioned within the lavatory interior, a toilet positioned within the lavatory interior, and a virtual control system. The virtual control system comprises a control unit, a gesture recognition device and a hologram generation device. The hologram generating means is configured to generate a hologram in a first volume of space inside the toilet and the gesture recognition means is configured to recognize an appropriate gesture within the first volume of space. The control unit is configured to send a signal to the component to be controlled when the gesture recognition means recognizes an appropriate gesture. The component to be controlled is associated with one of a toilet, sink or door. In a preferred embodiment, the aircraft lavatory further comprises an acoustic field generator configured to generate an acoustic field in a second volume of space inside the lavatory. The first spatial volume and the second spatial volume at least partially overlap to form a virtual control volume. The gesture recognition device is configured to recognize an appropriate gesture within the virtual control volume.

The present invention allows the control to be actuated without actually touching any physical object. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is used in aircraft toilets. However, this is not a limitation of the present invention and the system may be used in other toilets and any other environment where contactless control is required. The present invention provides a visible and/or tangible control for a user without actually touching a physical object to actuate the control. In general, the present invention combines acoustic field (for haptics) and hologram (for vision) with gesture recognition means. Gesture recognition is the mathematical interpretation of human actions by a computing device. In use, the user sees the hologram of the control device and has the sensation of touching the control device when the control is actuated without actually touching a physical and potentially dirty or dangerous object.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a control unit (CPU), a laser system (or other hologram generating device), an acoustic field generator and a gesture recognition device. The control unit instructs the laser system to create a hologram. For example, a hologram is generated only when the door is open and someone enters the restroom. In this case, the toilet includes a timer, wherein the hologram is closed after a certain time has elapsed and is reopened when the door is opened. The toilet may also include a motion sensor therein that senses when a person is in the toilet and activates the hologram and sound field of the virtual control device therein. It will be understood that all components of the virtual control system (sound field generator, hologram generator, motion sensor, gesture recognition device, etc.) are in communication with the control unit (or control units).

The control unit further directs the sound field generator to generate a sound field having a position and shape at least partially and preferably completely coinciding with the position and shape of the hologram. The hologram and the acoustic field are together referred to herein as a "virtual control device". Thus, in use, the user perceives the hologram and the generated sound field as visible (hologram) and touchable (the "feel" of the generated sound field) controls. When a user "presses" or "turns" the virtual control device by placing their finger or hand in the hologram, they will feel the sound field and initiate the action controlled by the virtual control device. The gesture recognition means records or senses the "pressing" of the virtual control means by the user, the gesture processing means processes the hand movements and thereby generates a signal that is sent to the control unit which converts the signal into the required actuation or movement.

The control (central processing) unit sends signals to the hologram generating means and the acoustic field generator. The control unit receives a signal from a gesture recognition device that processes a human gesture. When the control unit receives a signal from the gesture recognition device, the control unit sends a signal for performing an action (e.g., unlocking a toilet door to open it).

The laser system includes all the necessary means to produce a clearly visible hologram. Holography is well known, and thus a detailed description will be omitted. See, for reference, https, en. Wikipedia. org/wiki/holographics (Wikipedia entry for Holography), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In a preferred embodiment, the acoustic field generator generates an acoustic field sufficient to excite the human tactile sensor such that the acoustic field is perceived as touching the physical object. An exemplary acoustic field generator is taught in U.S. patent publication No. 2016/0124080, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Preferably, the hologram and the sound field are at least partially coincident in position and shape, so that they are perceived by the user as "virtual" physical objects. Thus, in use, the user will identify the virtual control device as if it were a physical control device. For example, in case of opening a toilet door, the virtual control means may appear or have the shape of a rotatable knob or a pivoting lever. In other cases, the virtual control device may be a button, switch, handle, toilet flush button, handle or lever, faucet knob, or the like. When the user "touches" the virtual knob (places the hand in the same area or volume occupied by the hologram), the user perceives the sound field, which gives the user the sensation of touching the knob. It will be appreciated that the component to be controlled is typically a switch or latch or other component associated with a larger component or a component used by the passenger in the washroom. For example, for a toilet, the actual component to be controlled may be a switch that causes the toilet to flush. For sinks, the actual component to be controlled may be a switch that turns the water on or off. For a door knob, the actual component to be controlled may be a latch that moves between a latched position and an unlatched position. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand what each associated action is expected to have as "part to control" by operating each virtual control device.

The action of "touching" the virtual control means (knob), for example by the user twisting their hand, sends a signal to the gesture recognition means, which then informs the control unit to open the door. Holography is well known, and thus a detailed description will be omitted. For reference, see https, en. Wikipedia. org/wiki/Gesture _ recognition (Wikipedia entry for Gesture recognition), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Gesture recognition is an integral part of computer science and language technology for interpreting human gestures through mathematical algorithms. Gestures may originate from any physical action or state, but typically originate from the face or hands. The user can use simple gestures to control or interact with the device without actually touching them. The gesture recognition means may be, for example, a camera and a computer vision algorithm. In other cases, the gesture may cause the control device to turn the trash can on, turn water on or off, turn a light on or off, raise or lower a toilet seat, dispense soap, talk to a crew member, etc. These components are generally referred to herein as "components to be controlled" or "components to be turned on or off".

It should be understood that the control unit is in electrical or data communication with the component to be turned on or off, so that the component to be turned on or off functions properly when the signal of the control unit (after receiving the signal from the gesture recognition device) is transmitted to the component to be turned on or off.

The invention can be used in other scenarios than toilets. For example, the invention may be used for "touch" of a virtual human body (possibly an actual person seen through video or the like) that can be seen (as a hologram) and touched (through the resulting sound field) without the user being physically co-located with the object. At the position of the object, a similar sound field can be generated that provides the object with a sense of touch.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a separate system may be used for each toilet component, or that a single or multiple systems may be projected onto or associated with multiple components. In other words, in embodiments of the invention, a laser system, a sound field generator and a gesture recognition device may be used separately for each toilet component to be controlled. In another embodiment, a single system may project to two or more locations, with one or more units controlling the projection, signaling, and actuation.

A method of switching a component to be controlled from a first state to a second state (e.g., from off to on, or from latched to unlatched) is disclosed herein. The method comprises providing a virtual control system comprising a control unit, a sound field generator, a gesture recognition device and a hologram generation device. The hologram generating device is configured to generate a hologram in a first spatial volume and the sound field generator is configured to generate a sound field in a second spatial volume. The first spatial volume and the second spatial volume at least partially overlap to form a virtual control volume (or an area-sound field may be generated on a surface). The gesture recognition device is configured to recognize a motion or gesture of a person within the virtual control volume. The method further comprises projecting the hologram in a first spatial volume, generating a sound field in a second spatial volume, and gesturing within a virtual control volume, wherein the gesture recognition means recognizes the gesture and sends a signal to the control unit. And wherein the control unit sends a signal to the component to be controlled and switches the component to be controlled from the first state to the second state.

Drawings

The invention may be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a flow chart in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the interior of a toilet showing a plurality of virtual controls therein; and is

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the interior of a toilet showing a plurality of controls therein.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the drawings.

Detailed Description

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in this disclosure may be, but are not necessarily, references to the same embodiment; and, these reference numerals denote at least one of the embodiments.

Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. In addition, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

In the specification, the terms used in the specification generally have the ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the present disclosure and in the specific context in which each term is used. Certain terms used to describe the present disclosure are discussed below or elsewhere in the specification to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted in italics and/or quotation marks: the use of highlighting has no effect on the scope and meaning of the term; the terms are used in the same context, whether highlighted or not, and have the same scope and meaning.

It should be understood that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Accordingly, alternative languages and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. Whether or not a term is set forth or discussed herein has no special meaning. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. The reference to one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or any exemplary terms. Also, the present disclosure is not limited to the various embodiments presented in this specification.

Without intending to further limit the scope of the present disclosure, examples of instruments, devices, methods, and their related results according to embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that for the convenience of the reader, titles or subtitles may be used in the examples, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In the event of a conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.

It will be appreciated that terms such as "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "side", "short", "long", "upper", "lower", "rear", as used herein, "forward", "inboard", "outboard" and "below" are merely for convenience of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of the present invention.

Reference is now made to the drawings, which are for the purpose of illustrating the invention and not for the purpose of limiting the same. Fig. 1-3 illustrate a virtual control system 10, the virtual control system 10 including at least one virtual control for switching a component to be controlled from a first state to a second state (e.g., on to off). The system comprises a control unit 12, a sound field generator 14, gesture recognition means 16 and hologram generation means 18. The hologram generating device 18 is configured to generate a hologram in a first spatial volume 20 and the acoustic field generator pattern 14 is configured to generate an acoustic field in a second spatial volume 22. As shown in fig. 1, the first spatial volume 20 and the second spatial volume 22 at least partially overlap to form a virtual control volume 24. The gesture recognition device 16 is configured to recognize a motion or gesture of a person within the virtual control volume 24.

It should be understood that the virtual control system and various virtual control devices described herein are shown and described as being used within an aircraft toilet. However, this is exemplary only, and not limiting of the invention. The virtual control system may be used in any situation or location where a component is controlled and may switch between a first state and a second state or states. The system 10 may include a plurality of virtual control devices controlled by a single control unit 12.

In use, the hologram generating device 18 projects or generates a hologram in a first volume of space 20 and the acoustic field generator 14 generates an acoustic field in a second volume of space 22. Thus, the user can see the hologram, thereby providing a visual representation of the position of the virtual control device. For example, as shown in fig. 2, the virtual control device may be a "virtual" door knob 30, a "virtual" hot and cold faucet knob 32, or a "virtual" crew call button 34 within the toilet. Fig. 3 shows an exemplary positioning of the hologram production device 18 and the gesture recognition device 16 in the vicinity of the virtual control volume 24. As shown, the hologram generating device 18 projects a hologram in a first spatial volume 20 (shown in dashed lines), the acoustic field generator 14 generates an acoustic field in a second spatial volume 22 (shown in dashed lines), and a virtual control volume 24 or device is formed where the first and second spatial volumes overlap. And therefore, when the user places their hand at the same general location as the hologram of the door knob 30 (i.e., in the virtual control volume 24), they will perceive the sound field, giving them the sensation of touching the door knob. The user then makes a gesture by twisting their hand in the usual motion within the virtual control volume to turn the door knob. The gesture recognition means 16 recognizes the gesture (twisting action) and will send a signal to the control unit 12. The control unit 12 then sends a signal to the component to be controlled (i.e. the latch in the closed state) and switches it from the first state to the second state (i.e. from closed to open, allowing the user to open the door).

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the components of the system 10 may be placed in any location where their function may be performed. For example, a single hologram generating device within the toilet may project or generate holograms for all of the different "virtual" controls within the toilet, and/or a single sound field generator may generate a sound field for all of the different "virtual" controls. In another embodiment, there may be a separate hologram generating device and sound field generator for each different "virtual" control within the toilet. There may also be a single or multiple gesture recognition devices. The components discussed above may be mounted on or in a wall, door, ceiling or other surface of a toilet. One or more components may also be housed or positioned within a housing or unit. In another embodiment, the acoustic field generator may be omitted, and the virtual control system may omit the "touch sense" component of the system.

Throughout the specification and claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, unless the context clearly requires otherwise; that is, in the sense of "including, but not limited to". As used herein, the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, refer to any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements. The coupling of connections between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above detailed description of preferred embodiments using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word "or" in a list relating to two or more items encompasses all of the following interpretations of the word: any item in the list, all items in the list, and any combined listing of items in the list.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Moreover, any particular number indicated herein is merely an example: alternative implementations may use different values, measurements, or ranges.

The teachings of the present disclosure provided herein may be applied to other systems, not necessarily the systems described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Any measurements described or used herein are exemplary only and are not limiting to the present invention. Other measurements may be used. Further, any particular materials described herein are merely examples: alternative implementations may employ different materials.

Any patents, applications, and other references mentioned above, including any references that may be listed in the accompanying application documents, are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet another embodiment of the disclosure.

These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above detailed description of the preferred embodiments. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. The details of the system may vary widely in its implementation details while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, unless such terms are explicitly defined in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments above, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure in accordance with the claims.

Thus, while exemplary embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that all terms used herein are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive, and that various changes, modifications and substitutions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.