Camera Activation via Accelerometer and Proximity Sensor Intent Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of locked mobile devices face inconvenience when trying to quickly capture photographs or videos, as they must unlock the device, which can result in missed opportunities due to the time required to enter a password or use biometrics.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device system that automatically activates the camera application when it detects the user's intent to capture a photograph by remaining in a stationary position for a period, using sensors like accelerometers and proximity sensors to determine the user's intent without unlocking the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device requires password or biometric authentication to unlock, then security is improved, but the time required to access the camera application increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of camera usage intent through sensor data (accelerometer, proximity sensor, gyroscope) while the device is locked, preparing to activate the camera application before authentication is required. This allows the camera to be ready immediately when the user unlocks the device, eliminating the time delay between unlocking and camera activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera application activates itself automatically based on sensor-detected user intent without requiring manual user action. The system monitors sensor data and self-triggers the camera application when specific patterns are detected, eliminating the need for the user to manually open the camera app after unlocking.
2Productivity
If the camera application is automatically activated from locked mode, then quick access is improved, but device security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different security rules to different applications and functions. The camera application is granted special permission to activate from locked mode based on sensor intent detection, while other applications maintain the requirement for full authentication. This localized security policy allows fast camera access without compromising overall device security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sensor data (accelerometer, proximity sensor, gyroscope) to detect user intent patterns. When the device is held in specific orientations with the camera lens cover in particular positions for predetermined time periods, the system interprets this as intent to capture photos and automatically activates the camera application, providing feedback-based automatic activation.
3Extent of automation
If sensor-based intent detection is implemented, then automated camera activation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing multi-functional sensors (accelerometer, proximity sensor, gyroscope) that serve multiple purposes including camera activation intent detection. These sensors are already present for other device functions, and the patent extends their utility to detect camera usage intent through specific usage patterns, avoiding the need for dedicated additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects camera intent by monitoring changes in sensor parameters over time, specifically when the device is held in specific orientations (camera lens cover position) for predetermined time periods. By analyzing parameter changes in accelerometer, proximity sensor, and gyroscope data, the system determines user intent without requiring complex processing algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of automatically activating a camera application implemented in a mobile device in locked mode starts with the processor receiving a first signal from an accelerometer. The device's processor activates the camera application when the processor determines that the mobile device has remained in a stationary portrait or landscape position for a period of time based on the first signal. Activating the camera application includes signaling by the processor to the display device to display a camera screen from a locked screen. The processor may also receive a second signal from a proximity sensor that detects presence of a nearby object to the mobile device. When the processor determines that there is presence of the nearby object to the mobile device based on the second signal, the mobile device remains in locked mode and the processor does not activate the camera application.