Directional Proximity Sensing With Orientation-Based Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable electronic devices with proximity sensors face challenges in dynamically adjusting power consumption and detecting environmental conditions effectively, as they often require fixed settings and lack self-calibration capabilities, leading to inefficient power management and limited environmental monitoring.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of self-calibrating proximity sensors that dynamically derive detection thresholds based on background conditions, allowing for adaptive power consumption and ultra-sensitivity to detect both nearby and distant environmental changes, with context-driven operation modes and directional signal emitters/receivers to optimize functionality while minimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed sensor settings are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sensor settings that automatically adjust based on detected environmental conditions. The system transitions from static fixed thresholds to dynamic adaptive thresholds that change in response to background noise levels and environmental context, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs self-calibration by automatically deriving detection thresholds from background conditions without requiring manual configuration. The device monitors its own environment and adjusts its sensitivity parameters autonomously, eliminating the need for complex pre-programmed settings while maintaining high adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If high sensitivity is used to detect distant environmental changes, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs context-driven operation modes where the sensor operates at full ultra-sensitive capability only when environmental conditions warrant it. During normal conditions, the sensor operates at reduced sensitivity levels, performing partial action that suffices for most scenarios while conserving significant power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the detection threshold parameter based on background conditions. The system adjusts sensitivity by modifying the detection threshold in real-time, allowing high precision detection when needed while operating at lower sensitivity thresholds during normal conditions to reduce power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple signal emitters are activated simultaneously, then environmental monitoring coverage is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the environmental monitoring task across multiple signal emitters that operate sequentially or selectively rather than simultaneously. Different emitters are activated based on directional needs and environmental context, dividing the monitoring coverage task into manageable segments that consume less power when executed individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic activation of signal emitters rather than continuous simultaneous operation. Emitters are activated in sequences or cycles based on detection needs, allowing the system to maintain comprehensive monitoring coverage while significantly reducing overall power consumption through time-based separation of emissions.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device having one or more proximity sensors. The portable electronic device comprises a housing, one or more signal emitters to direct source signal(s) based on the orientation of the housing, and one or more signal receivers to receive return signals corresponding to the source signal(s). The device may include multiple signal emitters and a sensor to identify an orientation of the housing. The appropriate signal emitter may be selected based on the orientation of the housing as identified by the sensor.