Adaptive IR User Detection Using Carrier Frequency Search

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting users due to preset operating radii and angles of sensors, and high power consumption when using cameras for user detection.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus that adapts to its surrounding space by changing the carrier frequency of sensors and uses auxiliary means like microphones to enhance user detection accuracy, with sensors designed to fit within the apparatus' design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a sensor with preset operating radius and angle is used for user detection, then the device structure is simple, but the detection accuracy deteriorates in spaces where the user is at a distance of 5m or more or in open spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor structureVSAvoiduser detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the carrier frequency adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the carrier frequency based on detection needs, allowing the sensor to adapt to different spatial environments and distances, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple structure and accurate detection in varied spaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of carrier frequency to improve detection capability. By adjusting the carrier frequency of the infrared sensor, the system can detect users at different distances and in different spatial configurations without changing the hardware structure, thus maintaining simplicity while improving accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If a camera is used for user detection, then the detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption and resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser detection accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the infrared sensor multi-functional by enabling it to perform user detection through carrier frequency adjustment, replacing the need for separate camera-based systems. This allows a single sensor to serve multiple detection purposes without incurring the high power consumption and resource usage of camera systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the camera-based optical detection system with an infrared sensor system that uses electromagnetic radiation detection. This replacement eliminates the need for complex image processing resources and reduces power consumption while maintaining detection accuracy through carrier frequency modulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If the sensor operating radius and angle are fixed, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different surrounding spaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor configurationVSAvoidspace adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the carrier frequency to be dynamically adjusted based on the surrounding space characteristics. This allows the same manufactured device to adapt to different installation environments and spatial configurations without requiring custom manufacturing for each space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the carrier frequency parameter to improve adaptability to different spaces. By modulating the carrier frequency, the sensor can optimize its detection range and angle effectively, allowing a single standardized device to adapt to various surrounding spaces without complex manufacturing variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Improves user detection accuracy while reducing power consumption and resource usage by adapting to the environment and utilizing internal sensors.

Implementation Method 1

the electronic apparatus may detect a user using a sensor such as a Passive Infrared Ray (PIR) sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

an IR sensor device and an IR evaluation device for determining the distance to a mobile object, such as a human or an animal, by means of pulsed IR radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulsed IR radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 3

the electronic apparatus may detect a user using a camera... there could be a problem regarding power consumption according to the operation of the camera and use of resources for identifying the user from an image captured by the camera

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound detection: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP4191283B1Electronic device and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4191283B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4191283B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4191283B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An electronic apparatus is disclosed. The electronica apparatus includes a communication interface and a processor configured to control the communication interface to transmit a signal of a first carrier frequency, and based on a signal that is generated as the signal of the first carrier frequency is reflected by a space where the electronic apparatus is disposed not being received through the communication interface within a first threshold time after the signal of the first carrier frequency is transmitted, determine the first carrier frequency as a search carrier frequency, based on the reflected signal being received through the communication interface within the first threshold time after the signal of the first carrier frequency is transmitted, control the communication interface to transmit a signal of a second carrier frequency that is different from the first carrier frequency, control the communication interface to transmit a signal of the determined search carrier frequency, and identify whether an object is present based on whether a signal is received through the communication interface within a second threshold time after the signal of the search carrier frequency is transmitted.