LDAF Ambient Sensing for Respiration and User Presence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to repurpose existing components in mobile computing devices to provide additional on-device sensing functionalities beyond basic health monitoring, such as sleep detection, respiration sensing, and user presence detection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a laser detect auto-focus (LDAF) sensor in mobile devices for ambient sensing, which uses laser pulses to measure distances and detect subtle range changes for applications like respiration rate detection and stress monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If existing components are repurposed for additional sensing functionalities, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for new sensing applications may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the LDAF sensor to perform both its original autofocus function and new ambient sensing functions (respiration detection, sleep monitoring, user presence detection) using the same hardware component. This allows the device to expand sensing capabilities without adding dedicated sensors for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through software-based signal processing tailored to each application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If LDAF sensor is used for ambient sensing applications, then sensing capabilities are enhanced, but the sensor's original autofocus function may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by dynamically allocating the LDAF sensor between autofocus and ambient sensing modes based on operational context. The system can switch between functions or operate both simultaneously with different priority levels, allowing the sensor to adapt its behavior to current needs. This dynamic approach ensures that autofocus reliability is maintained when needed while enabling enhanced sensing capabilities during appropriate conditions.
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 LDAF sensor enables accurate detection of respiration rates and user presence by measuring distance changes with millimeter precision, enhancing the device's sensing capabilities for health-related applications.
Implementation Method 1
a laser detect auto-focus (LDAF) sensor operable to perform ambient sensing of a user and/or an environment proximate to the user
Implementation Method 2
uses laser pulses to measure distances and detect subtle range changes
Data Source
AI summary
Computing systems, computing devices, and computer-implemented methods are provided. In one aspect, a mobile computing device includes a laser-based sensor such as a laser detect auto-focus sensor of an image capture assembly having an image capture device. The mobile computing device further includes one or more computing devices configured to perform one or more operations. For instance, the operations may include generating, with one or more laser-based sensors of a mobile computing device over a period of time, sensor data indicative of a distance between the mobile computing device and at least one surface, and generating, with one or more machine-learned models based on the sensor data, ambient sensing data including at least one biometric associated with a user of the mobile computing device.