Actuator Activation via Orientation Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing human-computer interfaces may be unavailable in situations where users cannot conveniently use hand-based UIs due to carrying objects, leading to the need for alternative methods to activate entryways or containers.
Innovation Solution
A system that activates actuators based on sensed orientation parameters, using proximity sensors and orientation measurements to determine if a user's device is in proximity and oriented correctly relative to the actuator, thereby allowing activation without requiring manual input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand-based user interfaces are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but availability deteriorates when users cannot use their hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary device that detects user proximity and orientation characteristics to trigger actuator activation. This mediator enables hands-free operation by translating physical presence and orientation into control signals, resolving the contradiction between maintaining ease of operation and ensuring availability when hands are occupied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hand-based interface with a sensor-based detection system that uses proximity and orientation measurements. This substitution eliminates the need for manual interaction while maintaining intuitive control, allowing users to operate systems even when their hands are occupied with objects.
2Adaptability or versatility
If proximity-based activation is implemented, then availability improves for hands-free operation, but reliability deteriorates due to potential false activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from using a single proximity parameter to using multiple parameters including proximity distance, orientation angle, and temporal duration. By requiring multiple parameters to be satisfied simultaneously, the system maintains high availability for legitimate hands-free operation while filtering out false activations from passing objects or accidental proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the sensor continuously monitors both proximity and orientation parameters, and the system only activates when the combination of these parameters meets predefined criteria. This feedback loop ensures that activation occurs only when the user's device is both close to and properly oriented toward the target, significantly reducing false activation while maintaining hands-free operation capability.
3Reliability
If multiple sensor parameters are used for activation, then reliability improves by reducing false activation, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sensor system that serves multiple functions: detecting proximity, measuring orientation, and triggering activation logic. By making the sensor multi-functional, the system achieves high reliability through multiple detection parameters without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as a single sensor unit performs what would otherwise require multiple separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies are generally described for activation of actuators based on sensed user characteristics, such as orientation. In some examples, an access control system may be configured to activate an actuator upon determining that an activation device is both in proximity to and has a similar orientation to the actuator. The access control system may be configured to determine orientation similarity by determining an orientation associated with the activation device, determining an orientation associated with the actuator, and comparing a difference between the two orientations to an activation threshold. The actuator may be associated with an entryway such as a building doorway, a room doorway, or a vehicle door, or may be associated with a container such as a safe or vehicle trunk.