Distributed IR LED Gesture Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device gesture detection systems using near-infrared transceivers are limited in detecting three-dimensional object location, require complex components, and are not versatile enough to support multiple functionalities like hand approach detection, eye tracking, and facial illumination.
Innovation Solution
A distributed infrared light emitting diode (IR LED) gesture detection system with LEDs positioned around the device perimeter and a sensor inside, capable of detecting IR light reflections to perform gesture recognition, hand approach detection, eye movement tracking, and facial illumination, while dynamically adjusting IR light projection for uniform illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If near-infrared transceivers are used to detect presence and location of human beings, then the device can detect objects outside the mobile device, but the system becomes complicated and requires large numbers of components
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection function into multiple distributed IR LEDs positioned at different locations (top, bottom, left, right sides) of the device. Each LED independently projects IR light and can be individually controlled, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive 3D spatial detection while maintaining modular simplicity. The segmentation of detection zones corresponds to different LED positions, enabling precise location determination without requiring a single complex transceiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed IR LED system serves multiple functions simultaneously: gesture detection, hand approach detection, eye tracking, and facial illumination. By using the same hardware components for diverse purposes, the system avoids the need for separate specialized devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If near-infrared transceivers are used for gesture detection, then the device can detect gestures without physical contact, but the system requires large numbers of components and becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines gesture detection, proximity detection, and illumination functions into a single distributed IR LED system. The same LEDs that detect gestures also provide facial illumination and hand approach detection, eliminating the need for separate component sets for each function. This merging reduces the total number of components while maintaining all desired capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The IR LEDs serve themselves across multiple functions - the light they emit for gesture detection also provides illumination for facial recognition and eye tracking. The system uses the inherent properties of the IR LEDs (light emission and reflection detection) to accomplish multiple tasks without requiring additional dedicated components for each task.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular sensing devices are used, then the device can be assembled with standard components, but the user must have prior knowledge of module location to operate above the module
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from 2D planar detection to 3D spatial detection by distributing LEDs throughout the device volume (top, bottom, left, right sides). This three-dimensional arrangement enables the system to detect gestures and objects from multiple spatial perspectives simultaneously, providing comprehensive coverage without requiring users to understand specific module locations. The 3D spatial information is processed to determine object position and gesture type automatically.
4Device complexity
If a single IR transceiver is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot detect three-dimensional location of objects
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple spatial zones, each monitored by a dedicated IR LED positioned at a specific location. By dividing the detection space into multiple regions (corresponding to different LED positions), the system can determine the three-dimensional location of objects by analyzing which LEDs detect reflected light and the intensity of reflections. This segmentation provides 3D spatial resolution while keeping each individual LED component simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds spatial dimensionality to detection by distributing LEDs in three-dimensional space around the device rather than using a single transceiver. The 3D arrangement of LEDs (at different heights, positions, and orientations) enables the system to triangulate and determine the precise spatial location of detected objects, transforming a simple detection system into a sophisticated 3D detection system.
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
Enhances user experience by providing accurate gesture detection and additional functionalities like hand approach detection and facial illumination, with reduced complexity and cost, and supports multiple applications without the need for user knowledge of module locations.
Implementation Method 1
Infrared light emitting diode (IR LED) gesture detection system
Implementation Method 2
The sensor detects IR light originating from at least one of the LEDs reflected from off of a person
Data Source
AI summary
A method in an electronic device, the method includes projecting infrared (“IR”) light from a plurality of light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) disposed proximate to the perimeter of the electronic device, detecting, by a sensor, IR light originating from at least two of the plurality of LEDs reflected from off of a person, and carrying out a function based on the relative strength of the detected IR light from the LEDs.