Light Sensor Earphone Gesture Control via Optical Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multimedia electronic devices require complex and error-prone manual operations using wire control earphones to control functions like answering calls or playing music, especially when users are in a rush, leading to potential loss of the earphone due to frequent hardware use.

Innovation Solution

A light sensor earphone that detects light intensity differences between the ear close side and outer side to generate electric signals for controlling electronic device functions, such as answering calls or playing multimedia files, thereby simplifying operations and reducing errors without the need for a wire control switch.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wire control switch is used to control electronic device functions, then control functionality is achieved, but operation complexity increases and error operation occurs easily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidcontrol switch complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wire control switch system with an optical sensing system. Light sensors detect light intensity changes caused by user gestures (such as covering the earpiece), and these optical signals are converted into control commands for the electronic device. This substitution eliminates the need for physical buttons and complex wiring, thereby simplifying operation and reducing control complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The earphone system automatically detects user actions through light sensors and generates corresponding control signals without requiring manual operation of switches. The system self-activates based on detected light changes, such as automatically answering a call when the earpiece is covered, thus eliminating the need for users to manually operate complex control switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If wire control switch is used frequently, then control functions are accessed, but earphone loss increases due to frequent handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol function accessibilityVSAvoidearphone loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing the mechanical wire control switch with an optical gesture-based control system, the patent eliminates the need for frequent manual handling and plugging/unplugging of the earphone. Users can control functions through gestures detected by light sensors, reducing physical interaction and thereby decreasing the frequency of earphone loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses light signals as a copy or representation of user intent rather than requiring direct mechanical interaction. The light sensor captures optical information from the environment (such as light blocking gestures) and converts it into control commands, allowing users to access control functions without physically manipulating the earphone hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple function buttons are added to wire control earphone, then control versatility is improved, but operation error increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol function versatilityVSAvoidoperation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single light sensor system that can detect multiple different gestures and light patterns, each corresponding to different control functions. This single multi-functional sensing mechanism replaces multiple separate physical buttons, providing versatile control while maintaining operational simplicity and accuracy. The system distinguishes between different user intentions based on the specific light detection patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 light sensor earphone intelligently controls electronic device functions based on light intensity comparisons, minimizing error operations and reducing earphone loss by eliminating the need for complex wire control switches.

Implementation Method 1

a light sensor component, configured to detect light intensity of an ear close side or an ear outer side according to a received light signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9462104B2Method of using light sensor earphone to control electronic device and light sensor earphone

Publication Date: 2016.10.04 ZTE CORP

AI summary

Provided is a method of using a light sensor earphone to control an electronic device. The method includes: a light sensor earphone detecting light intensity of an ear close side and light intensity of an ear outer side according to a received light signal; comparing the light intensity of the close ear side with the light intensity of the ear outer side, and generating an electric signal corresponding to a current mode of an electronic device according to a comparison result; and sending the electric signal to the electronic device, for the electronic device to control a corresponding function in the current mode according to the electric signal. A light sensor earphone is also provided. By means of the technical solutions, the light sensor earphone is utilized to intelligently control corresponding functions of the electronic device so as to simplify operation.