Corner Sensors for Adaptive Handheld Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld electronic devices lack efficient and intuitive control mechanisms that allow users to easily access and control functions without navigating through complex graphical user interfaces, particularly when held in different orientations or by either hand.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of corner sensors on handheld devices that can detect touch and pressure inputs, allowing users to control device functions based on how the device is held and oriented, enabling intuitive control through gestures and movements without the need for traditional side-mounted switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional side-mounted switches are used for control, then easy access to functions is achieved, but the device lacks adaptability to different holding orientations and hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor activation dynamic rather than static. Sensors are strategically positioned at corners and activated only when the device is held in specific orientations, allowing the control interface to adapt dynamically to different holding patterns and hands, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by placing sensors at specific corner locations rather than uniformly distributing them. Each corner sensor serves a specific function based on the device orientation, creating localized control zones that improve both adaptability to different holding orientations and ease of operation through intuitive spatial mapping
2Adaptability or versatility
If corner sensors are added to provide adaptive control, then adaptability to different orientations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the control function into multiple independent corner sensors rather than using a single complex control mechanism. Each sensor is simple in design but collectively they provide sophisticated adaptive control, reducing individual component complexity while maintaining overall system adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing corner sensors that can serve multiple functions depending on device orientation and holding pattern. The same physical sensor can control different functions based on context, reducing the need for separate specialized components and thereby reducing overall device complexity
3Ease of operation
If sensors are placed on device sides for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but accidental inputs increase when device is placed on surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making sensor activation conditional on device orientation rather than continuously active. Sensors are activated only when the device is held in specific orientations, automatically deactivating when placed on surfaces, thereby eliminating accidental inputs while preserving ease of operation during actual use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using orientation detection to dynamically control sensor activation. The system continuously monitors device orientation and activates or deactivates sensors based on whether the device is being held or placed, providing feedback-based control that prevents accidental inputs while maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless or handheld device or phone is equipped with corner sensors which control functioning of the device. The corner sensors are configured based how a user holds the handheld device while utilizing the corner sensors. The corner sensors may also be configured based on a spatial orientation of the handheld device. The corner sensors may be configured based on which hand or hands control the corner sensors, the dexterity of the fingers controlling the sensors and/or the spatial orientation of the device. The corner sensors may include a touch sensor, a trackpad and/or a pressure sensor and may detect various single sensor inputs or simultaneous gestures. The device may sense when it is held in a hand and may disable the corner sensors when it is not held.