3D Gesture Detection Using Antenna Backscatter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable electronic devices with touch-sensitive displays face limitations in detecting objects spaced from the display, particularly in terms of size, shape, and gesture recognition, due to limited spatial awareness and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A portable electronic device equipped with a three-dimensional gesture detecting display that utilizes a plurality of antennae to emit and receive signals, allowing the processor to detect the location, size, and shape of objects, as well as recognize gestures by analyzing changes in electromagnetic fields, enabling more precise interaction and input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional capacitive touch systems are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but detection distance and gesture recognition capability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional capacitive touch detection to three-dimensional electromagnetic field-based gesture detection. By introducing a plurality of antennae arranged in three-dimensional space and using electromagnetic field analysis, the system achieves depth perception and spatial awareness beyond the display surface, enabling detection of object location, size, and shape in 3D space while maintaining reasonable system complexity through integrated circuit board mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the detection function into multiple independent antennae elements rather than using a single capacitive sensor array. Each antenna independently emits electromagnetic signals and receives backscatter, allowing the system to segment the detection space and analyze electromagnetic field changes from multiple spatial perspectives, thereby improving measurement precision for object location, size, and shape detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antennae are added for three-dimensional detection, then gesture recognition capability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegesture recognition capabilityVSAvoidantenna system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plurality of antennae serve multiple functions simultaneously: they emit electromagnetic signals, receive backscatter signals, and collectively provide three-dimensional spatial detection capability. The same antenna array that detects object location also determines object size and shape through signal analysis, eliminating the need for separate sensor systems and reducing overall device complexity despite the multi-element configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of multiple antennae into a unified detection system where the collective electromagnetic field interactions provide comprehensive gesture recognition. By merging the detection capabilities of individual antennae into a coordinated system controlled by a single processor, the architecture achieves enhanced gesture recognition versatility while managing complexity through integrated control rather than multiple independent systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Length of stationary object

If electromagnetic field analysis is used for object detection, then detection distance increases, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection distanceVSAvoidsignal emission energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses backscatter signal reception where objects naturally reflect electromagnetic signals back to the antennae without requiring additional energy from the detected objects. The processor analyzes these passive backscatter signals to determine object attributes, creating a feedback loop that extends detection distance without proportionally increasing energy consumption, as the system leverages the electromagnetic properties of detected objects rather than requiring active response from them.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 ability to detect and differentiate between various objects and gestures, improving user interaction by accurately determining object attributes and enabling more complex gesture recognition, even at greater distances from the display compared to traditional capacitive systems.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of antennae arranged and constructed to emit a signal and to receive backscatter from the signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBackscatter: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

utilize the received backscatter to detect location and at least one of size and shape of an object spaced from the display

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field interaction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2929415B1Electronic device including three-dimensional gesture detecting display
Publication Date: 2019.03.13 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2929415B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2929415B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2929415B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

An electronic device includes a display, a plurality of antennae arranged and constructed to emit a signal and to receive backscatter from the signal, and a processor operably coupled to the antennae to utilize the received backscatter to detect location and at least one of size and shape of an object spaced from the display.