Noncontact human-machine interaction based on hand-responsive infrared structural color

The IR radiation from human hand can selectively interact with grating patterns in the generation of distinct IR structural colors, which can be used for human-machine interaction with flexible interaction distance in low or no light conditions. Noncontact human-machine interaction provides a hygienic and intelligent approach for the communication between human and robots. Current noncontact human-machine interactions are generally limited by the interaction distance or conditions, such as in the dark. Here we explore the utilization of hand as an infrared light source for noncontact human-machine interaction. Metallic gratings are used as the human-machine interface to respond to infrared radiation from hand and the generated signals are visualized as different infrared structural colors. We demonstrate the applications of the infrared structural color-based human-machine interaction for user-interactive touchless display and real-time control of a robot vehicle. The interaction is flexible to the hand-interface distance ranging from a few centimeters to tens of centimeters and can be used in low lighting condition or in the dark. The findings in this work provide an alternative and complementary approach to traditional noncontact human-machine interactions, which may further broaden the potential applications of human-machine interaction.

Automated summary

The infrared radiation from human hand can interact with grating patterns to generate distinct infrared structural colors, enabling flexible human-machine interaction in low or no light conditions.