Flexible Device Flexing Detection Using Orientation Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The mass production and reliability of flexible devices are hindered by challenges in effectively detecting and interpreting user input through flexing, as existing technologies require dedicated sensors or complex feedback modules.
Innovation Solution
The use of orientation sensors, such as gyroscopes, magnetometers, or camera units, to detect the orientation changes of different portions of a flexible device body, allowing for the determination of flexing without embedding stretch detectors or additional moving parts, and utilizing a processor to interpret these signals as user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated sensors or complex feedback modules are used to detect flexing, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling existing orientation sensors (gyroscopes, magnetometers, camera units) to serve dual purposes: their primary functions for orientation detection and additional flexing detection functionality. This eliminates the need for dedicated flex sensors while maintaining detection capability, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by having existing sensors in the device perform the additional task of detecting flexing. The orientation sensors already present in the device are utilized to detect changes in orientation caused by flexing, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external or additional dedicated sensing components
2Measurement precision
If stretch detectors or additional moving parts are embedded to detect flexing, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling existing orientation sensors (gyroscopes, magnetometers, camera units) to serve dual purposes: their primary functions for orientation detection and additional flexing detection functionality. This eliminates the need for dedicated flex sensors while maintaining detection capability, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by having existing sensors in the device perform the additional task of detecting flexing. The orientation sensors already present in the device are utilized to detect changes in orientation caused by flexing, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external or additional dedicated sensing components
3Device complexity
If existing components like cameras and gyroscopes are used to detect flexing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the flexing detection task into multiple measurement components using different existing sensors. Instead of relying on a single sensor type, the system segments the detection function across gyroscopes, magnetometers, and/or camera units, each contributing specific measurement data that is then integrated to achieve accurate flexing detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the composite principle by combining data from multiple different sensor types (gyroscopes, magnetometers, camera units) to create a composite measurement system for flexing detection. This multi-sensor approach leverages the strengths of each sensor type to achieve accurate flexing detection while maintaining device simplicity
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 the detection and interpretation of flexing without additional hardware, simplifying the design and manufacturing of flexible devices and allowing for user input recognition through existing components like cameras and gyroscopes, thereby enhancing user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a first orientation sensor (1040) configured to detect a change in orientation of a first portion (101, 102) of the device body; a second orientation sensor (1050) configured to detect a change in orientation of a second portion (101, 102) of the device body
Implementation Method 2
The use of orientation sensors, such as gyroscopes, magnetometers, or camera units, to detect the orientation changes of different portions of a flexible device body
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program for receiving first orientation signals indicative of orientation of a first portion of a body of an apparatus, which body is capable of being flexed during use of the apparatus at least by any of: bending; and twisting; the body having the first portion and a second portion that move with respect to each other when the body is being flexed; receiving second orientation signals indicative of orientation of the second portion of a body of an apparatus; and determining motion of at least one of the first portion and second portion based on the first orientation signals and the second orientation signals.