Infrared Sensing Assembly for 3D Offset Gesture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices face limitations in detecting the three-dimensional location of external objects and require complex, expensive sensing systems, particularly with near-infrared transceivers that can only detect presence or absence within a certain distance and are cumbersome in design.
Innovation Solution
An infrared sensing assembly with multiple phototransmitters and photoreceivers, configured in a pyramid-type structure, emits and receives infrared light to accurately determine the three-dimensional position of external objects, enabling gesture detection and control of electronic devices without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If near-infrared transceivers are used to detect presence or absence of objects, then detection capability is provided, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple phototransmitters and photoreceivers into a single integrated sensing assembly, merging their functions to detect three-dimensional location. This consolidation reduces system complexity while maintaining detection capability, as the multiple components work together within one unified structure rather than as separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing assembly performs multiple functions: detecting presence, determining three-dimensional location, and enabling gesture recognition. By making the sensing assembly multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate detection systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.
2Reliability
If near-infrared transceivers are used to detect objects at distance, then remote detection is enabled, but the transceivers can only detect presence/absence binary states, not three-dimensional location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into multiple phototransmitters positioned at different locations and orientations within the sensing assembly. Each phototransmitter detects light from specific directions, and by analyzing the pattern of detections across multiple segments, the system determines precise three-dimensional location rather than just binary presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from binary detection (presence/absence) to three-dimensional spatial detection by adding angular and positional dimensions. The phototransmitters are arranged to detect light from different angles and positions, enabling the system to determine location in three-dimensional space rather than merely detecting whether an object is present.
3Measurement precision
If multiple phototransmitters and photoreceivers are configured in a pyramid structure, then three-dimensional position detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple phototransmitters and photoreceivers within a compact pyramid-type housing structure. The components are arranged in a nested configuration where phototransmitters and photoreceivers are positioned at different levels and angles within the same spatial envelope, achieving three-dimensional detection without proportionally increasing overall device size or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of phototransmitters and photoreceivers within the sensing assembly, with components arranged at specific angles and locations optimized for three-dimensional detection. This asymmetric configuration enables precise location determination while using fewer total components than a symmetric arrangement would require, thus managing complexity.
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 allows for precise detection of gestures in three-dimensional space, enabling intuitive control of electronic devices with improved accuracy and reduced complexity and cost compared to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
An infrared sensing assembly with multiple phototransmitters and photoreceivers, configured in a pyramid-type structure, emits and receives infrared light to accurately determine the three-dimensional position of external objects
Implementation Method 2
emits and receives infrared light to accurately determine the three-dimensional position of external objects
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling an electronic device includes providing at least one photoreceiver and a plurality of phototransmitters to emit infrared light at different angles away from the electronic device. Emission of infrared light by each of the phototransmitters is controlled during each of a plurality of time periods as an external object moves in a pattern which is offset from a generally centered position with respect to the sensing assembly, and measured signals are generated. The measured signals are evaluated to identify the pattern of movement of the object and to detect a reference offset location. A centering operation is performed, and sequential locations of the indicator on the display screen are controlled in accordance with the corresponding determined locations of the object relative to the reference offset location.