Gesture Unlock Mobile Device Hibernate Mode

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile devices require complex unlocking methods, such as entering codes or sliding screens, which can be inconvenient, especially when the device is slippery or used with one hand, leading to difficulties in accessing the device from a hibernate mode.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device equipped with a touch panel, processing unit, and gravity sensor that detects gestures to automatically unlock the device without a physical button, determining if the gesture constitutes a natural and ergonomic action to transition from hibernate to normal operating mode and adjust the display orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex unlocking methods (entering codes or sliding screens) are used, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical unlocking methods (physical buttons, code entry, sliding screens) with a gesture-based control system. The touch-sensitive display detects specific gesture patterns (swipe directions, circular motions, tapping sequences) to unlock the device, substituting mechanical interactions with touch-based gestures that are more intuitive and easier to perform, especially with one hand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If physical buttons are used for unlocking, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the unlocking function with the touch-sensitive display interface. Instead of adding separate physical buttons or mechanisms, the display itself serves as both the interface and the control input device. Gesture patterns detected on the display surface trigger unlocking, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Weight of moving object

If one-handed operation is used, then portability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to device slippage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces gesture recognition in multiple dimensions (swipe directions, circular motions, tapping sequences) to create more stable and reliable one-handed operation. Instead of relying solely on simple button presses that may cause slippage, the system recognizes complex gesture patterns that are harder to accidentally trigger and provide better tactile feedback, making one-handed use more secure and comfortable.

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

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 convenient and ergonomic unlocking of mobile devices without physical buttons, ensuring seamless access and proper display orientation, enhancing user experience, especially in unstable conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a touch panel 104, a processing unit 106... The touch panel 104 is configured to detect at least one gesture and the number of contact point(s) produced by the gesture on the touch panel 104

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTouch sensing: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a gravity sensor 110... determine the display orientation of the display panel 102 after the mobile device 100 enters the normal operation mode from the hibernate mode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity sensing: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2657826B1Mobile device and gesture determination method
Publication Date: 2022.04.20 ACER INC
  • EP2657826B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2657826B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2657826B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An exemplary embodiment provides a mobile device. The mobile device includes a display panel, a touch panel, and a processing unit. The display panel displays images. The touch panel detects a gesture and receives a sensing signal corresponding to the gesture, wherein the touch panel further calculates at least one contact point produced by the gesture according to the sensing signal, and produces at least one trigger signal according to the contact point. The processing unit operates at a first operating frequency when the mobile device is in a normal operating mode, and operates at a second operating frequency lower than the first operating frequency when the mobile device is in a hibernate mode, wherein the mobile device turns off the processing unit and the display panel in the hibernate mode, and the touch panel continues to detect the gesture in the hibernate mode.