Grip Sensor Reference Adjustment for Temperature Drift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proximity sensors in electronic devices can malfunction due to environmental temperature variations, leading to erroneous signal outputs and affecting user interface changes, function execution, and information transfer.
Innovation Solution
The method involves measuring the temperature of the electronic device, setting or correcting a sensing state reference level for the sensor based on the measured temperature, and determining the sensing state by comparing the sensor's output level with the reference level to stabilize the sensing state determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the proximity sensor operates to detect external objects, then the sensing function is achieved, but the sensor may malfunction due to environmental temperature variations causing erroneous signal outputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the reference level of the proximity sensor based on environmental temperature. The processor dynamically modifies the reference level parameter according to temperature sensor readings, compensating for temperature-induced drift in the proximity sensor's output signals. This ensures accurate sensing state determination across varying temperature conditions while maintaining reliable sensor operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensing state reference level is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sensor cannot adapt to temperature changes causing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring environmental temperature through a temperature sensor and using this information to dynamically adjust the proximity sensor's reference level. The processor receives temperature data, calculates the appropriate reference level adjustment, and applies the correction in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables the sensing system to adapt to temperature changes without requiring complex hardware modifications, achieving temperature compensation through intelligent control.
3Reliability
If temperature compensation is implemented, then sensor malfunction is prevented, but the device complexity increases due to additional temperature sensing and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by integrating the temperature sensor and reference level adjustment functionality into the existing processor and sensor system. The processor performs multiple functions: it processes proximity sensor signals, reads temperature sensor data, calculates the corrected reference level, and controls the output. This multi-functional approach allows temperature compensation to be implemented without adding separate dedicated compensation hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device and method are provided for sensing a touch or hovering event, where sensor variations due to environmental temperatures are minimized. The method includes operations for measuring a temperature of a portion of an electronic device, setting a sensing state reference level of a grip sensor according to the measured temperature, and determining a sensing state of an external object for the electronic device according to a result of a comparison between an output level from the grip sensor and the sensing state reference level of the grip sensor.