MEMS Breath Sensor for Hands-Free User Interface Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile device user interfaces are limited in their ability to efficiently navigate and control services via the Internet, particularly in social situations where hands-free operation is desired.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) sensing and processing module to detect human breath, generating control signals that allow users to navigate and select components within a graphical user interface without the need for physical touch, using interfaces such as UART, SPI, GPIO, PCM, I2S, I2C, USB, Bluetooth, ZigBee, IrDA, and wireless USB.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional touch-based user interfaces are used, then navigation and control functions are achieved, but hands-free operation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical touch-based input system with a breath detection system using MEMS sensors. The breath input device captures respiratory movements and converts them into control signals, eliminating the need for physical contact with the device while maintaining full navigation and control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by detecting breath (air flow) through MEMS sensors to control the user interface. The breath input device senses respiratory movements and translates pneumatic energy from breath into electrical control signals for navigating menus, selecting options, and controlling media playback without physical contact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If breath detection is added to enable hands-free operation, then usability in social situations improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The breath detection system is designed to perform multiple functions: navigating menus, selecting options, controlling media playback, and enabling hands-free operation in social situations. The MEMS-based sensor can detect various breath patterns and intensities, allowing it to handle diverse user interface interactions through a single unified input mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The MEMS sensing module acts as an intermediary between the user's breath and the device's control system. It captures respiratory movements and converts them into standardized control signals that the existing user interface can process, bridging the gap between natural breath input and digital control requirements without requiring major system redesign.
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 operation of mobile devices by allowing users to control user interfaces through breath, enhancing usability in social situations and providing a more intuitive method of interaction.
Implementation Method 1
A device may comprise an embedded micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) sensing and processing module operable to detect movement caused by expulsion of human breath by a user
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of a method and system for controlling a user interface of a device using human breath may include a device having an embedded micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) sensing and processing module. The MEMS sensing and processing module may detect movement caused by expulsion of human breath by a user. In response to the detection of movement caused by expulsion of human breath, one or more control signals may be generated. The generated control signals may control the user interface of the device and may enable navigation and/or selection of components in the user interface.