Dual-Mode Proximity Sensing for Gesture and Remote Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer electronic devices lack intuitive and flexible control methods beyond traditional remote controls, limiting user interaction and interactivity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sensor and energy emitter system that differentiates between reflective energy from a user's hand and remote control signals, allowing for proximity-based control actions such as muting or turning on/off devices, using multiple emitters and sensors for complex actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional remote control methods are used, then device control functionality is provided, but user interaction intuitiveness and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects both reflective energy from proximate objects (enabling proximity-based control) and incoming energy from remote controls (enabling traditional remote control functionality). This multi-functionality allows a single sensor to support both intuitive proximity interaction and flexible remote control, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If proximity-based control is added to provide intuitive interaction, then user interaction flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the proximity sensing function and remote control reception function into a single sensor system. By merging these two functions that were previously separate (requiring separate sensors and processing circuits), the design achieves enhanced control flexibility without proportionally increasing device complexity. The same sensor hardware and processing logic handle both proximity detection and remote control signal reception.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple emitters and sensors are used for complex actions, then control versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is designed as a universal component that handles multiple control scenarios: proximity-based control, remote control reception, and differentiation between internal and external energy sources. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate sensors and processing circuits for each function, thereby achieving control versatility without proportionally increasing manufacturing cost.
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
Enables enhanced user interaction and interactivity with electronic devices through intuitive proximity-based controls, integrating seamlessly with existing remote control functionality without significant additional cost or design changes.
Implementation Method 1
An emitter of energy, such as an IR emitter, can be located close to the sensor
Implementation Method 2
When a user moves an item like their hand in front of the emitter and the sensor, the energy can reflect off the item and be sensed by the sensor
Implementation Method 3
sensing the signal at the device, and interpreting the received signal to identify an action the device is to take
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for controlling an electronic device including receiving a signal through a light sensor of the device, identifying with a processor of the device whether the received signal originated from a light emitter of the device, and controlling a function of the device, the function selected based on whether the signal is identified as originating from the light emitter of the device or the light emitter separate from the device.