MEMS Breath Detector for Hands-Free Interface Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for controlling electronic devices lack efficient hands-free or one-hand operation, particularly in mobile communication and internet access scenarios, where users desire seamless navigation and control without physical interaction.
Innovation Solution
A MEMS detector system that utilizes human breath to detect air movement, generating control signals to navigate and control device user interfaces, employing deflectable members, light reflection, piezoelectric signals, capacitance changes, or magnetic field measurements to enable hands-free operation of various devices like smartphones, computers, and multimedia players.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional touch screen or voice command interfaces are used, then device control is achieved, but hands-free operation is not enabled and user convenience is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device interface is segmented into multiple sensing zones (first region and second region) that can be independently detected. Each zone corresponds to different control functions, allowing complex operations to be broken down into simple spatial distinctions that can be detected through breath direction alone.
Solution Approach 2:
Air flow serves as an intermediary medium between the user and the device control system. The breath detection device translates physical breath movements into control signals, acting as a mediator that converts biological output into digital control commands without requiring direct contact or voice processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If breath detection is implemented, then hands-free control is enabled, but device complexity increases due to additional sensing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The breath detection device is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting breath presence, determining breath direction, and generating corresponding control signals for different device operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection systems for different control tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable member structure utilizes the breath's own kinetic energy to cause deflection, which then generates the control signal. The system serves itself by using the input (breath movement) to directly produce the output (control signal) without requiring additional active sensing components.
3Measurement precision
If deflectable members are used to detect breath, then air movement detection is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deflectable member is constructed as a thin, flexible structure that can be fabricated using standard thin-film deposition techniques. This approach allows for consistent manufacturing with controlled thickness and material properties, reducing variability and improving manufacturing precision while maintaining high detection sensitivity.
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
Enables hands-free or one-hand control of multiple devices by translating breath-induced air movement into control signals, allowing users to interact with device interfaces without physical touch, enhancing usability and accessibility in mobile communication and internet access.
Implementation Method 1
detecting movement of air caused by expulsion of human breath via a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) detector. The MEMS detector may comprise one or more deflectable or moveable members operable to detect the movement of air
Implementation Method 2
measuring piezoelectric signals generated by the deflection of the deflectable members
Implementation Method 3
measuring capacitance changes generated by the deflection of the deflectable members
Implementation Method 4
measuring current generated by the deflection of the deflected members in a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for a MEMS detector that enables control of a device using human breath are disclosed and may include detecting air flow caused by human breath via a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) detector, which may include deflectable members operable to detect the movement of air. The deflection of the members may be limited via a spacer within the MEMS detector. The amount of deflection may be determined by measuring reflected light signals, piezoelectric signals, capacitance changes, or current generated by the deflection in a magnetic field. Output signals may be generated based on the detected movement. The MEMS detector may include a substrate, a spacer, and the MEMS deflectable members. The substrate may include a ceramic material and/or silicon, and may include embedded devices and interconnects. An integrated circuit may be electrically coupled to the substrate. Air flows may be directed out of the side of the MEMS detector.