Gesture control module and household appliance comprising the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gesture control modules for household appliances are bulky, vulnerable to ambient light, and have poor triggering accuracy, making them unsuitable for industrial design and effective operation in kitchen or sanitary environments.
Innovation Solution
A gesture control module utilizing infrared light emitting diodes with a light confinement structure and a signal processor, where the diodes emit infrared light alternately and are positioned with a narrow pitch to the infrared receiver tube, enhancing accuracy and reducing interference from ambient light and steam, while also integrating touch functionality and visible feedback for user guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gesture control module uses infrared light emitting diodes and an infrared receiving sensor, then touchless operation and hygiene are improved, but the volume of the module becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the infrared receiving tube within a light confinement structure that is integrated into the circuit board assembly. The light confinement structure acts as a nested container that guides and confines infrared light within a compact spatial envelope, allowing multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces efficiently. This nesting approach enables the gesture control module to maintain touchless operation capability while significantly reducing the overall module volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking and three-dimensional arrangement of components rather than spreading them out horizontally. The infrared light emitting diodes are positioned at specific heights above the circuit board, and the light confinement structure extends vertically to guide light paths in the Z-dimension. This dimensional reorganization allows compact packaging of the gesture control functionality without compromising the infrared detection capability.
2Ease of operation
If existing gesture control modules are used, then touchless control is achieved, but they are vulnerable to ambient light and have poor triggering accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by using the light confinement structure to preemptively block ambient light from reaching the infrared receiving tube before interference can occur. The light confinement structure creates a protected optical path that prevents extraneous light sources (such as sunlight or indoor lighting) from contaminating the infrared signal. This preventive measure significantly improves triggering accuracy by ensuring that only infrared light from the designated emitting diodes reaches the receiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specialized microenvironment around the infrared receiving tube with the light confinement structure. This localized structure provides directional light guidance and filtering specifically at the receiver location, while other parts of the module maintain their respective functions. The light confinement structure acts as a localized optical filter and guide that enhances signal quality without affecting the overall module design.
3Measurement precision
If infrared light emitting diodes with narrow emission angles are used, then light directionality and precision are improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the light confinement structure as an intermediary element between the infrared light emitting diodes and the receiving tube. Instead of relying on expensive narrow-emission-angle diodes, the light confinement structure acts as a passive optical mediator that shapes and directs the light path. This intermediary structure achieves the desired light directionality through its physical geometry and light-guiding properties, thereby eliminating the need for costly specialized diodes while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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
The solution provides a compact, reliable, and accurate gesture recognition system that is resistant to ambient light and steam interference, offering improved user experience and cost-effectiveness by using a shared infrared receiver tube and reducing the need for expensive narrow-angle diodes, while enabling touchless operation of household appliances.
Implementation Method 1
the at least two infrared light emitting diodes are capable of emitting infrared light having a wavelength between 770 nm and 1 mm... these infrared light-emitting diodes are switched on alternately... thereby emitting infrared light emitted by a user's hand, the approaches it, reflected and can be received by the infrared receiver tube
Implementation Method 2
the light confinement structure surrounds a perimeter of the infrared light emitting diodes and/or the infrared receiving tube... it is possible to restrict or reduce a light emission angle of the infrared light emitting diodes in a structural, light-shielding manner... limit the angle of the received light to reduce interference from ambient light
Data Source
Figure 1a~2a
Figure 2b~3b
Figure 4
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a gesture control module based on the infrared reflection principle. The gesture control module comprises: at least two infrared light-emitting diodes; an infrared receiver tube; a signal processor for recognizing a gesture based on a signal from the infrared receiver tube; characterized in that the infrared light-emitting diodes and/or the infrared receiver tube are surrounded by a light-limiting structure, wherein the light-limiting structure is flush with or higher than an upper end of the infrared light-emitting diodes and/or the infrared receiver tube; the infrared receiver tube is arranged between the respective infrared light-emitting diodes, and the center-to-center distance between the infrared light-emitting diodes and the infrared receiver tube is between 5 mm and 50 mm. The present disclosure also relates to a household appliance comprising the gesture control module.