Handheld Proximity Sensing With Dynamic Threshold Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Proximity detection systems face inaccuracies due to fixed threshold values, leading to incorrect detection of finger positions when the hand-held controller is held by a user in varying environments or with different grip strengths, sizes, or hand positions.

Innovation Solution

An electronic system with a hand-held controller and computing application that includes proximity sensors and a physical information sensing circuit, which calculates maximum or minimum proximity values based on instant proximity values and physical parameters to dynamically update threshold values for precise near or far status determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If fixed threshold values are used for proximity detection, then the system is simple to operate, but the detection accuracy deteriorates under varying environmental conditions and grip strengths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproximity detection accuracyVSAvoidthreshold update mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed threshold values to dynamically adjustable thresholds. The system continuously adapts threshold values based on real-time physical parameters (temperature, humidity, pressure) sensed by the physical information sensing circuit. This allows the proximity detection system to automatically adjust to varying environmental conditions and grip strengths, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the threshold values based on physical parameters sensed from the environment. The computing application retrieves instant proximity values and physical parameters, then calculates maximum or minimum proximity values to update the threshold. This parameter adaptation enables accurate proximity detection across different environmental conditions while maintaining system simplicity through automated adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If dynamic threshold adjustment is implemented, then proximity detection accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproximity detection accuracyVSAvoidsensing circuit and processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional system where the physical information sensing circuit serves multiple purposes: sensing environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, pressure) that are then used for threshold adjustment. The computing application performs multiple functions including retrieving proximity values, sensing physical parameters, calculating threshold values, and updating the proximity detection system. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the added capability for dynamic adjustment.

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

3Reliability

If fixed thresholds are used, then the system is easy to manufacture, but it produces detection errors under varying grip strengths and hand positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliability across conditionsVSAvoidsystem implementation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the proximity detection system to automatically adjust its own threshold values based on environmental conditions and physical parameters. The system uses the physical information sensing circuit to sense parameters and the computing application to calculate and update thresholds without requiring external calibration or manual intervention. This self-adjusting capability improves reliability across varying conditions while maintaining ease of manufacture through automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3404515B1Electronic system and proximity sensing method
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 HTC CORP
  • EP3404515B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3404515B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3404515B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

An electronic system includes a hand-held controller and a computing application. The hand-held controller includes a proximity sensing circuit and a physical information sensing circuit. The proximity sensing circuit includes proximity sensors. The proximity sensors are configured to sense instant proximity values. The physical information sensing circuit is configured to sense a physical parameter. The computing application is executed by a processor. The computing application is configured to retrieve the instant proximity values and the physical parameter, to calculate maximum proximity values or minimum proximity values according to the instant proximity values and the physical parameter. The maximum proximity values or the minimum proximity values are utilized to update threshold proximity values of the proximity sensors in determining near status or far status.