Rotating Knob Unlocking Mechanism for Wearable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices, such as sports watches, face issues with time-consuming and laborious unlocking methods, including long press and combination button operations, which can lead to accidental unlocking due to wrist movements, and are complex for users, especially those with visual or motor impairments.
Innovation Solution
An unlocking method utilizing a rotatable operation knob on electronic devices, where the rotational distance and angular velocity are detected to unlock the device when a preset distance is reached, eliminating the need for prolonged presses or button combinations, and allowing single-finger operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If long press on button is used for unlocking, then the device can be secured, but the unlocking process becomes time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button press system with an optical detection system using a photosensor to detect knob rotation. The photosensor detects the position and rotation of the knob through optical means, eliminating the need for prolonged mechanical pressing and reducing unlocking time while maintaining security through precise rotational distance verification.
2Reliability
If combination of buttons is pressed for unlocking, then the device can be secured, but the operation becomes complex and difficult to remember
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the unlocking operation into a simple rotational motion along a circular path. Instead of requiring coordination of multiple buttons, the user simply rotates the knob along the circular trajectory, with the photosensor detecting the rotational distance to verify authentication, greatly simplifying the operation while maintaining security.
3Device complexity
If traditional button operations are used, then the device structure is simple, but the operation is prone to accidental unlocking due to wrist movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the photosensor continuously monitors the knob's rotational position and provides real-time feedback. The system compares the detected rotational distance against the preset authentication threshold, only unlocking when the precise rotational distance is achieved, thereby preventing accidental unlocks from unintended wrist movements while maintaining a simple structural design.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for unlocking by use of a knob. The method is applied to an electronic device provided with an operation knob. The method includes the following steps: detecting (1) an action of the operation knob in a screen locked state in real time; and starting (2) an unlocking program in response to rotation of the operation knob: calculating the rotational circumferential distance of the operation knob along the current rotational direction, determining whether the rotational circumferential distance of the operation knob reaches a preset circumferential distance, controlling the electronic device to unlock in response to the rotational circumferential distance of the operation knob reaching the preset circumferential distance, and unlocking failed and returning to step (1) in response to the rotational circumferential distance of the operation knob not reaching the preset circumferential distance.