Air Gesture Control for Electronic Devices in Dirty Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices lack efficient methods for users to control them without physical contact, especially in environments where the device may become dirty or wet, such as in cooking, which can lead to contamination and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with a proximity sensor, a controller, and various sensors (UV, illuminance, acceleration, geomagnetic, barometric pressure, and gyro sensors) that detects gestures at a distance, allowing users to operate the device through air gestures, even in specific modes like the 'kitchen mode' that prioritizes gesture-based processing for cooking scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical contact operation is used, then operation precision is improved, but contamination risk increases in dirty environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary gesture recognition system that mediates between the user and the device. Instead of direct physical contact, the user performs gestures in the air that are detected by sensors (proximity sensor, imaging sensor, acceleration sensor), which then translate into device operations. This intermediary layer eliminates direct contact while maintaining operational precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical touch contact system with a non-contact gesture recognition system using sensors. The proximity sensor detects hand proximity, the imaging sensor captures hand gestures, and the acceleration sensor detects motion patterns, substituting the mechanical touch interface with a field-based detection system that avoids contamination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gesture recognition is added, then hands-free operation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing sensors serve multiple functions. The proximity sensor not only detects proximity for wake/sleep modes but also contributes to gesture recognition. The imaging sensor serves both as a camera for photos and as a gesture detection device. The acceleration sensor provides both step counting and gesture detection capabilities. This multi-functionality adds hands-free operation without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the gesture recognition function with existing sensor systems and the camera application. Instead of adding a completely separate gesture recognition subsystem, it combines multiple sensor inputs (proximity, imaging, acceleration) with the existing touch panel controller and application processor, integrating gesture control into the existing device architecture.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated, then gesture detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses existing sensors (proximity sensor, imaging sensor, acceleration sensor) that are already included in modern smartphones for other purposes. By making these sensors serve dual purposes (original function plus gesture detection), the patent improves gesture detection accuracy without adding the cost of entirely new sensor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the existing sensor system to serve itself by using the same hardware components for multiple functions. The imaging sensor that captures photos also captures gesture data; the acceleration sensor that counts steps also detects gesture motions. This self-service approach avoids additional manufacturing costs while improving detection capabilities.
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
Enables hands-free operation of electronic devices in situations where physical contact is undesirable, maintaining cleanliness and convenience by processing gestures to perform tasks like scrolling recipes or managing notifications without touching the device.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor 18 that detects a gesture made by a user in the air
Implementation Method 2
UV sensor 19
Implementation Method 3
illuminance sensor 20
Implementation Method 4
acceleration sensor 21
Implementation Method 5
gyro sensor 24
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An electronic device includes a proximity sensor, a storage that links and stores keywords with types of gestures detected by the proximity sensor, and a controller that detects a keyword from notification information provided to a user and executes processing based on the type of gesture linked to the keyword. The electronic device may also include a communication interface, and the notification information may include information received by the communication interface. The electronic device may also include a display, and the notification information may include information displayed on the display.