Mobile Apparatus Object Detection with Acceleration-Based Range Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile apparatuses fail to detect objects in the traveling direction of a user while they are walking and looking at a screen, posing a danger of collision or fall due to the changing three-dimensional angle of the device.
Innovation Solution
A mobile apparatus equipped with an object detector, acceleration detector, and detection range changing mechanism that adjusts the detection range based on calculated traveling direction, using sensors such as ultrasonic waves or imaging devices to ensure detection of objects in the traveling direction without fail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile apparatus is held in various orientations while walking, then the user can operate the apparatus freely, but the three-dimensional angle changes cause failure to detect objects in the traveling direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the detection range adjustable rather than fixed. The detection range is dynamically changed based on the traveling direction detected by the acceleration sensor, allowing the object detector to adapt to various holding orientations while maintaining reliable detection in the forward traveling direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of detection range based on the traveling direction. By detecting acceleration in different directions and adjusting the detection range accordingly, the system maintains reliable object detection regardless of how the apparatus is held, resolving the contradiction between free operation and detection reliability.
2Reliability
If the object detector operates continuously to detect objects, then detection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the object detector to operate only when necessary. The detector is activated when acceleration exceeding a threshold is detected (indicating movement) and deactivated when acceleration is within the threshold (indicating stationary state), reducing power consumption while maintaining detection reliability during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service by having the acceleration sensor continuously monitor the apparatus state and automatically control the object detector's operation. The detector serves itself by being activated and deactivated based on detected acceleration, eliminating the need for continuous manual control and optimizing power consumption.
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 the user to recognize obstacles ahead, preventing collisions and falls by accurately detecting objects in the traveling direction, even when looking at a screen, while reducing power consumption by activating sensors only when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
an acceleration detector part for detecting acceleration of itself
Implementation Method 2
the object detector part comprises a generator device for emitting a wave, means for acquiring a reflected wave of the wave emitted by this device
Implementation Method 3
means for determining whether an object exists or not based on a period of time since emission of the wave until acquisition of the reflected wave
Implementation Method 4
the object detector part comprises an imaging device for capturing an image, means for analyzing a captured image
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile apparatus senses without failing an object which exists in a traveling direction of itself even when a pedestrian is moving while looking at a screen on which information is displayed. The mobile apparatus having the screen comprises an object detector part 17 which exits within a predetermined range centered around the traveling direction of itself, an acceleration detector part 16 and the detection range changing means for changing a range in which the object detector part 17 detects the existence of an object, the traveling direction of itself is calculated based on acceleration of itself, and based on thus calculated traveling direction of itself, the detection range changing means changes the range in which the object detector part 17 detects the existence of an object.