Contactless Movement Input Detection for Handle-Free Door Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input detection systems for controlling downstream devices are prone to errors due to the use of static input signals, which can lead to unintended activation or failure to recognize intentional inputs, especially in applications where aesthetic and hygiene considerations are important, such as handle-free household appliances.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a sensor device and evaluation/control device that detects and evaluates time-dependent movement inputs, specifying evaluation conditions to differentiate intentional user movements from noise, allowing for precise control of downstream devices without the need for physical handles or contact surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a static input signal (e.g., touch sensor threshold) is used to detect user input, then the system can detect intentional inputs, but it is prone to errors where any influences (e.g., dog walking past) are also evaluated as input signals or intentional inputs are not recognized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static input detection to dynamic movement-based detection. The sensor device detects movements in space and time, and the evaluation device analyzes the time profile and characteristics of these movements to distinguish intentional user inputs from environmental influences. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by using temporal and spatial patterns rather than static thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the evaluation device continuously analyzes the time profile of detected movements and compares them against evaluation conditions. This feedback loop allows the system to learn and adapt to distinguish between intentional inputs and false triggers, improving reliability while maintaining measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If a handle or physical operating element is provided on the door, then the door can be opened manually, but it is difficult to clean and disadvantageous for hygiene reasons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical handle system with a sensor-based detection system. Instead of requiring physical contact with a handle, the system detects movements in the sensor's active region and evaluates the time profile of these movements to trigger door opening. This substitution eliminates the hygiene contamination issue while maintaining ease of operation through contactless control.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device acts as an intermediary between the user and the door opening mechanism. The evaluation device analyzes movement patterns in the active region as an intermediate step before activating the door opening device. This intermediary system enables contactless operation while preserving the intended functionality.
3Shape
If a handle-free design is implemented in household appliances, then the appliance can be installed in a fully integrated manner in a kitchen arrangement, but the door opening function must be achieved without physical handles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical handle system with a sensor-based detection system. Instead of requiring physical contact with a handle, the system detects movements in space and time within the sensor's active region and evaluates the time profile of these movements to trigger door opening. This substitution maintains aesthetic integration while enabling door opening functionality through contactless control.
4Measurement precision
If the sensor active region is made large to detect user movements, then intentional inputs can be detected, but environmental influences (e.g., dog walking past) may also trigger the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic analysis of movement patterns including time profile evaluation and spatial characteristics. By analyzing the temporal and spatial patterns of detected movements rather than relying solely on the size of the active region, the system can distinguish between intentional user inputs and environmental influences, resolving the contradiction between detection sensitivity and false positive rate.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for detecting an input and controlling at least one downstream device, wherein the system comprises at least one sensor device and an evaluation and control device connected to the sensor device for signalling purposes, wherein the at least one sensor device detects an input signal which varies at least over time in the form of a movement, wherein the evaluation and control device evaluates at least the time profile of the detected input signal, wherein at least one evaluation condition is specified, and wherein the downstream device is activated when the at least one evaluation condition is met.