Edge Sensor Clamping Detection for Automatic App Launch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices lack an efficient method to automatically launch application programs based on user intentions without the need for physical buttons or complex gesture recognition, especially when used in various orientations or held by devices like car holders.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device employs edge sensors on multiple sides to differentiate between clamping and squeeze actions, using predefined thresholds and patterns to automatically trigger functions or launch applications, eliminating the need for physical buttons and enhancing user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical buttons or complex gesture recognition are used to launch applications, then user intention can be recognized, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the button functionality from the traditional front face of the device and relocates it to the side edges. Edge sensors are integrated into the side surfaces, allowing physical button presses to be replaced by edge pressing operations. This extraction simplifies the front face design while maintaining application launching capability through edge-based interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces edge sensors as an intermediary element between the user and the device functionality. These sensors detect pressing actions on the side edges and translate them into application launching commands. The intermediary sensor system enables intuitive edge-based interaction without requiring complex gesture recognition algorithms or physical buttons on the front face.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If edge sensors are used to detect clamping actions, then automatic function activation is achieved, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextent of automationVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining specific pressing patterns and force thresholds that correspond to different applications or functions. Before actual use, the system establishes predetermined criteria for clamping detection, including force magnitude, duration, and pattern recognition. This preliminary configuration enables automatic function activation without requiring complex real-time analysis during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor detection criteria adaptable and adjustable. The system can dynamically adjust sensitivity thresholds and pattern recognition parameters based on usage context. This dynamic approach allows the measurement precision requirements to be optimized for different scenarios while maintaining automatic function activation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3467632B1Method for operating electronic device, electronic device and computer-readable recording medium thereof
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 HTC CORP
  • EP3467632B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3467632B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3467632B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The disclosure provided an operating method and an electronic device thereof. The electronic device is configured to predict user's next action and automatically launching or starting an application program without user's input. The electronic device detects an occurrence of a clamping action based on sensor data obtained from at least one sensor on one side of the electronic device. Upon detection of a constant pressure through the sensor data, the electronic device executes a first triggering operation (clamping action) and not execute a second triggering operation (squeeze action). Further, a clamping pattern corresponding to the clamping action is identified based on the sensor data outputted by the at least one sensor. Then, the electronic device automatically launches or starts an application program associated to the identified clamping pattern without user's input through a touch display.