Handheld Device Hands-Off Detection Using Edge Touch Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld user devices face challenges in accurately detecting when a user is not actively using the device, leading to inefficient battery conservation, as they often require manual intervention or unreliable methods to determine when to enter sleep mode.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of touch sensors on multiple edges of the device to detect a 'hands-off' state, which triggers the device to enter sleep mode, while bypassing deactivation if a connection to another device or user-defined pressure sequences are detected, ensuring that the device remains active when in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the device enters sleep mode automatically to save battery, then battery life is extended, but the device may deactivate during active use causing loss of functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The device monitors its own usage state through sensors (accelerometer, touch sensors, application state) and automatically determines when to enter or exit sleep mode without user intervention. The system serves itself by detecting hands-off states and making autonomous power management decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device continuously monitors multiple parameters (accelerometer data, touch sensor input, application state) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust power mode. When sensors detect that the device is being held or used, the system receives feedback and prevents sleep mode activation, ensuring reliable operation during active use.
2Use of energy by moving object
If manual button pressing is required to wake the device, then power consumption is reduced, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically detects when it should be woken from sleep mode through sensors (touch sensors detecting hand proximity, accelerometer detecting device orientation changes) and activates itself without requiring manual button pressing. The system serves the user by anticipating wake needs based on sensor feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary detection using sensors before actual use begins. Touch sensors detect hand proximity or grip before the user needs to interact with the device, and the system proactively wakes from sleep mode in advance, eliminating the need for manual wake actions.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If fixed timer is used to dim screen or pause media, then power is saved, but accuracy in detecting user inactivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed timers to dynamic sensor-based detection. The accelerometer continuously monitors device orientation and movement, touch sensors monitor contact presence, and the system adapts power mode decisions based on real-time sensor data rather than predetermined time intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical timer-based system with sensor-based detection systems (accelerometer, touch sensors). These sensors provide continuous physical measurement of device state and user interaction, replacing the crude temporal approximation of fixed timers with precise physical state detection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A user device having an active application periodically detects for a hands-off state of the user device. Upon detecting a hands-off state, the user device affects at least one of the active application and the user device. Prior to affecting at least one of the active application and the user device, the user device detects for one or more of a connection between the user device and another device, and an application of pressure to the user device. If either is detected the, the user device bypasses affecting at least one of the active application and the user device.