Display Control Using Motion and Touch Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices using proximity sensors for controlling display operations during calls face malfunctions due to reduced recognizable distance and issues with dark objects, leading to inaccurate proximity detection and frequent errors.

Innovation Solution

Employing a combination of motion sensors (acceleration and gyro sensors) and touch sensors to recognize user states and control display operations, thereby supplementing or replacing proximity sensors to prevent unintended touch-related malfunctions during calls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a proximity sensor is used to control display operation during calls, then the display can be controlled to prevent touch malfunction, but the proximity sensor fails to accurately detect proximity due to reduced recognizable distance and issues with dark objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay control reliabilityVSAvoidproximity detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensors (proximity sensor, motion sensor, and touch sensor) into an integrated system. The motion sensor detects device movement and orientation, while the touch sensor detects user contact, and these signals are processed together with proximity sensor data to achieve more reliable and accurate display control during calls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The motion sensor acts as an intermediary by detecting device movement and orientation changes, providing additional information about the device's state and position relative to the user. This intermediary data helps resolve ambiguities in proximity detection caused by dark objects or reduced sensor distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the proximity sensor is mounted below the display to increase functions, then more functions can be provided, but the recognizable distance is reduced causing more frequent malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidproximity detection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple sensors (proximity, motion, and touch sensors) into a single integrated system that works together to control display operations. This combination allows the system to maintain reliability even when the proximity sensor is positioned below the display with reduced recognizable distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a composite sensing approach where data from multiple sensor types (proximity sensor, motion sensor, and touch sensor) are combined to create a more robust and reliable detection system that overcomes the limitations of individual sensors positioned below the display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If only a proximity sensor is used to determine display operation, then the system is simple, but it cannot distinguish between different proximity situations (ear proximity vs. front proximity)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor system complexityVSAvoidproximity situation distinction

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines data from the motion sensor (which detects device orientation and movement) with proximity sensor data to distinguish between different proximity situations. The motion sensor provides additional contextual information about whether the device is held at the ear or in front of the face, enabling more precise display control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The motion sensor serves as an intermediary that provides additional information about device orientation and movement, helping to distinguish between different proximity situations. This intermediary data allows the system to differentiate between ear proximity and front proximity scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach enhances the accuracy of proximity status detection and reduces malfunctions by continuously tracking user states and adjusting display operations, improving user convenience and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

determine a first state associated with a user using a motion sensor while performing a call mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration sensor detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

determine a first state associated with a user using a motion sensor while performing a call mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyro sensor detection: Gyroscope

Implementation Method 3

controls turning on/off a display according to a situation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTouch sensor detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11422609B2Electronic device and method for controlling operation of display in same

Publication Date: 2022.08.23 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device and a method of operating an electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a display; a motion sensor; and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to determine a first state associated with a user using the motion sensor while performing a call mode; if a predefined state is detected from the first state, configure an algorithm for determining a second state, based on the first state; determine the second state using the motion sensor, based on the configured algorithm; and control the operation of the display, based on a result of determining the second state.