Electronic Device Sound Input for Wet Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users may encounter difficulties in operating electronic devices due to inability to perform contact operations, such as when the device is wet or under water, leading to ineffective detection by touch or fingerprint sensors.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device employs a sound input unit to recognize sound commands, allowing users to interact with the device even when contact operations are not feasible, by determining the inability to perform contact operations based on sensor detection results and initiating sound input reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If touch or fingerprint sensors are used for operation, then the device can be controlled through contact, but the device cannot be operated when wet or under water

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact operation capabilityVSAvoidoperation reliability in wet conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device integrates multiple input methods (touch sensor, fingerprint sensor, and sound input unit) into a single system. The controller can switch between different input modes depending on the operating conditions, making the device universally operable across various environments including wet conditions where contact sensors fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based input system (touch/fingerprint sensors) with an acoustic input system (sound input unit and sound recognition unit). Sound waves can penetrate water and wet surfaces, allowing the device to receive commands through voice recognition even when contact sensors are non-functional due to moisture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device provides multiple input methods, then operability in various conditions improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperability in different conditionsVSAvoidnumber of sensors and processing units

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple input methods (touch sensor, fingerprint sensor, and sound input unit) into a unified control system managed by a single controller. The controller integrates processing from all sensors and can switch between them based on conditions, reducing the need for separate control circuits and simplifying the overall system architecture despite the multiple input options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different input modes based on environmental conditions. The controller monitors the state of contact sensors and automatically activates the sound input unit when contact operation is determined to be unavailable, creating a flexible, adaptive system that manages complexity through intelligent resource allocation rather than permanent activation of all components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10606392B2Electronic device, control method, and non-transitory storage medium

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

There is provided an electronic device including at least one sensor, a sound input unit, and at least one controller, wherein when the at least one controller determines that a contact operation on the electronic device is not able to be performed based on a detection result of the sensor, the at least one controller is configured to start reception of sound input by the sound input unit to recognize the sound.