System for Controlling a Computer Using Hand Images
This 2016 patent describes a system that uses a camera under a transparent surface to track a user's hand and display corresponding cursors on a screen, allowing hand gestures to control a computer interface.
Original patent title: “Visual feedback by identifying anatomical features of a hand”
This 2016 patent describes a system that uses a camera under a transparent surface to track a user's hand and display corresponding cursors on a screen, allowing hand gestures to control a computer interface. Granted to Individual in 2016 with 38 claims and 3 forward citations, and it is expected to expire in 2032.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent details a system that lets you control a computer with your hand. It uses a transparent surface, like a special pad, with a camera underneath. When you place your hand near or on this surface, the camera captures an image of your hand. A processor then identifies specific parts of your hand, like your fingertips or knuckles, and figures out their exact position relative to the surface. These positions are then translated into cursor movements on your computer screen, allowing you to interact with windows and other interface elements. For example, if you move your index finger, a cursor representing that finger moves on the screen in sync with your hand's movement.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Systems that do not use a transparent input surface to capture the hand image.
- Methods that do not identify specific anatomical features of the hand.
- Systems where the hand image is not captured through the input element.
- Interfaces that do not display cursors corresponding to identified hand features.
- Systems that do not provide visual feedback on a display.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The innovation lies in using a transparent input surface with an underlying camera to capture detailed hand images, then mapping specific anatomical features of the hand to cursor positions on a separate display, creating a direct visual link between hand and cursor.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Early gesture control systems
Specialized input devices for design or control
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This patent explores an early approach to gesture-based computer interaction, predating widespread adoption of touchscreens and advanced motion sensing. It represents a conceptual step towards more intuitive human-computer interfaces where physical hand movements directly translate to on-screen actions.
Filed
June 18, 2012
Granted
April 19, 2016
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Given the patent is held by an individual and has limited forward citationsforward citationsLater patents that cite this one as prior art. High counts signal foundational influence.Read more →, it's unlikely that major current players are directly building on this specific patent. However, the general concept of using cameras for hand tracking is explored by various companies in areas like augmented reality and advanced input devices.
Market impact
This patent likely had minimal direct market impact. It represents one of many explorations into alternative input methods before touchscreens and advanced motion sensors became ubiquitous. Its limited citations suggest it did not become a foundational technology for a major product category or industry standard.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent details a system that lets you control a computer with your hand. It uses a transparent surface, like a special pad, with a camera underneath. When you place your hand near or on this surface, the camera captures an image of your hand. A processor then identifies specific parts of your hand, like your fingertips or knuckles, and figures out their exact position relative to the surface. These positions are then translated into cursor movements on your computer screen, allowing you to interact with windows and other interface elements. For example, if you move your index finger, a cursor representing that finger moves on the screen in sync with your hand's movement.
The clever bit
The innovation lies in using a transparent input surface with an underlying camera to capture detailed hand images, then mapping specific anatomical features of the hand to cursor positions on a separate display, creating a direct visual link between hand and cursor.
What it does not cover
- Systems that do not use a transparent input surface to capture the hand image.
- Methods that do not identify specific anatomical features of the hand.
- Systems where the hand image is not captured through the input element.
- Interfaces that do not display cursors corresponding to identified hand features.
- Systems that do not provide visual feedback on a display.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
Patent enters public domain
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
12/40
Early citations
Claim breadth
20/20
Very broad protection
Recency
5/20
Granted 10–20 years ago
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$54K – $172K
Midpoint $108K · 5.6 yr remaining · industry ×1.6
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
The original legal language
Original claims
38 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Krepec, R. J. (2016). System for Controlling a Computer Using Hand Images (U.S. Patent No. 9,317,130). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9317130/visual-feedback-by-identifying-anatomical-features-of-a-hand
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does System for Controlling a Computer Using Hand Images cover?
This 2016 patent describes a system that uses a camera under a transparent surface to track a user's hand and display corresponding cursors on a screen, allowing hand gestures to control a computer interface.
Who owns patent US 9317130?
Individual owns this patent, granted in 2016.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on June 18, 2032, when the invention enters the public domain.
What is patent US 9317130 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 3 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
This patent explores an early approach to gesture-based computer interaction, predating widespread adoption of touchscreens and advanced motion sensing. It represents a conceptual step towards more intuitive human-computer interfaces where physical hand movements directly translate to on-screen actions.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Systems that do not use a transparent input surface to capture the hand image.
Same assignee
More from Individual
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