Blog: FourWays – Innovative
control through head movements
and eye contact

Shark Tank of Patents

In the fifth episode of the 16th season of "Die Höhle der Löwen" (counterpart to shark tank in the USA), Treye Tech presented a groundbreaking innovation on September 30, 2024: FourWays. This technology enables people with severe physical disabilities to control digital devices using head movements and thus gain barrier-free access to the digital world.

The idea behind FourWays

FourWays was developed to enable people without hand function to operate computers and mobile devices independently. By using head movements, users can control the mouse and perform various functions, which represents a considerable relief in everyday life, especially for people with disabilities.

What makes FourWaves special?

The software transforms conventional webcams or front cameras into a control system that precisely distinguishes between targeted head movements and uncontrolled movements. This enables intuitive and reliable operation without the need for additional hardware.

The patent

The FourWays patent claims a computer-implemented method (see schematic sketch in Fig. 1 of the FourWays patent).

[Fig. 1 of the FourWays FourWays patent]

The now decisive aspect compared to the prior art is that if completion of the particular control gesture is detected during said time interval, and if a neutral position of the human user is detected during said time interval, the execution of the associated function is prevented; else if completion of the particular control gesture is detected during said time interval, and no neutral position is detected during said time interval, the execution of the associated function is triggered.

In contrast, the closest prior art D3 discloses that a valid gesture is confirmed by holding the user pose for a predetermined amount of time.

In other words, the crucial difference lies in the handling of the neutral position: FourWays checks whether a neutral position occurs during a time interval to trigger or prevent a function. In contrast, D3 requires the user pose to be held stable for a certain amount of time to confirm a gesture.

Outlook

FourWays from Treye Tech is more than just a technical innovation - it is a step towards true inclusion in the digital world. With its ability to use head movements precisely and intuitively to control devices, it offers people with physical disabilities new opportunities for independence and participation. The presentation in the "Lion's Den" made this groundbreaking solution accessible to a wide audience and shows how technology can overcome barriers.

FourWays shows how a simple but clever idea can be turned into a marketable innovation. Patent protection is likely to play a key role in marketing and further development in order to secure long-term competitive advantages. This example shows once again how important a sound patent strategy can be for the launch and continued success of a product.

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Disclaimer: The above contribution reflects the personal opinion of the author. The assessments and statements made in the article do not constitute legal advice and are provided under exclusion of any liability. If you need an assessment of an individual case, please contact the author and/or the law firm KUHNEN & WACKER.