Dual-Sensor Gesture Detection Through Protective Sheet Obstacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with proximity sensors, such as infrared sensors, face challenges in accurately detecting gestures when obstacles like protective sheets are present, leading to reduced detection accuracy and false gestures from reflected light, especially at distances where the sensor cannot distinguish between the object and the obstacle.
Innovation Solution
The integration of both proximity sensors and ranging sensors, like ToF sensors, in electronic devices, which allow for improved gesture detection accuracy by overlapping detection distances and using multiple photodiodes to differentiate between object and obstacle reflections, enabling accurate gesture recognition at greater distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a proximity sensor is used to detect gestures, then gesture detection capability is provided, but detection accuracy deteriorates when obstacles like protective sheets are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a proximity sensor and a ranging sensor into a single sensor assembly. The proximity sensor detects gestures at shorter distances while the ranging sensor detects at longer distances. By merging these two sensors with overlapping detection ranges, the system achieves both gesture detection capability and high detection accuracy even when obstacles like protective sheets are present, as each sensor compensates for the other's limitations.
2Reliability
If a proximity sensor detects reflected light from obstacles, then obstacle detection is enabled, but false gesture detection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into two separate sensors: the proximity sensor for detecting gestures at close range and the ranging sensor for detecting obstacles at longer distances. By dividing the detection task between these two sensors with different detection ranges and characteristics, the system can distinguish between actual gestures and false reflections from obstacles, thereby improving both obstacle detection reliability and gesture detection accuracy.
3Length of stationary object
If the detection distance of the proximity sensor is extended, then gesture detection range is increased, but detection accuracy decreases due to inability to distinguish object from obstacle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional sensor system where the proximity sensor serves dual purposes: detecting gestures at short distances and providing data for obstacle detection. The ranging sensor complements this by detecting obstacles at longer distances. Together, they form a universal detection system that maintains high accuracy across the entire detection range, enabling the system to distinguish between objects and obstacles even at extended detection distances.
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 solution enhances the detection accuracy of gestures by extending the detection range and reducing false positives, allowing for reliable operation even when protective sheets or other obstacles are present, and enabling users to perform gestures from farther away without interference.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared sensor may detect the gesture by measuring the amount of reflected light from an object onto which infrared light is emitted
Implementation Method 2
ranging sensors, like ToF sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an electronic device, a program, and a control method capable of improving detection accuracy. An electronic device (1) includes a proximity sensor (5), a ranging sensor (18), and a controller (10) configured to switch a sensor to be operated between the proximity sensor (5) and the ranging sensor (18) in accordance with the distance between an object to be detected and the electronic device (1).