Infrared Sensor Input with Flexible Aperture Cover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with virtual buttons face issues of accidental presses due to device movement, such as bouncing in pockets or purses, leading to unintended input activations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating one or more infrared sensors that detect infrared light from a user's body to initiate device functions, with a flexible or movable housing portion that opens an aperture in response to external pressure, allowing infrared light to reach the sensor and generate a signal for the processor to act upon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If virtual buttons are used to replace physical buttons, then the number of moving parts is reduced and device size is minimized, but accidental presses occur easily due to device movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical touch sensor system with an optical detection system using infrared sensors. Instead of detecting physical pressure through mechanical means, the system uses infrared light detection to sense user input, thereby eliminating the mechanical contact that causes accidental presses while maintaining button functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (aperture cover that moves in response to pressure) between the user input and the sensor. This intermediary allows the system to detect intentional presses through controlled aperture movement while blocking infrared light during accidental movements, thus distinguishing between intentional and unintentional inputs
2Reliability
If physical buttons are used for user input, then accidental presses are prevented through tactile feedback, but the device size increases and more moving parts are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical buttons with an infrared-based optical detection system. The physical button structure is eliminated in favor of sensors that detect infrared light changes, reducing moving parts while maintaining input accuracy through optical rather than mechanical means
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible aperture cover that can move in response to pressure applied to it. This flexible membrane provides tactile feedback similar to physical buttons while allowing infrared light to pass through when in the open position, combining the benefits of mechanical feedback with optical sensing
3Speed
If an infrared sensor is exposed continuously, then user input detection is fast, but infrared light from the user's body may be detected accidentally when the device is in the pocket
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the aperture cover dynamic rather than static. The cover moves between open and closed positions based on detected pressure, allowing the system to adapt its exposure state in real-time. This dynamic adjustment enables fast detection when needed while preventing false detection when the device is stored
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by closing the aperture cover before the device is placed in a pocket or purse. This pre-closing action prevents infrared light from reaching the sensor during storage, eliminating false inputs before they can occur, while allowing rapid detection when the user intentionally opens the aperture
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
This solution provides a reliable and accidental-press-resistant user input mechanism, allowing precise control of device functions without the need for physical buttons, while maintaining a compact design and minimizing moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
uses one or more infrared sensor as a substitute for buttons, touch sensors, and other traditional types of user input mechanisms
Implementation Method 2
a flexible or movable housing portion that opens an aperture in response to external pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device uses one or more infrared sensors to detect infrared light from a person's body (e.g., a user's finger) to initiate a function of the electronic device. According to an implementation, the housing of the electronic device includes a flexible portion that opens an aperture in response to external pressure (e.g., a user pressing down on the flexible portion) to allow infrared light from the person's body to reach an infrared sensor. When the infrared sensor detects the infrared light, it generates a signal in response. A processor of the electronic device receives the signal and, in response, initiates a function of the electronic device. The function may be any function that the electronic device is capable of performing, such as a power-on function, a camera function, changing the speaker volume, and launching an application.