Ambient Motion Detection for Accidental Device Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices are prone to accidental activation when placed in pockets or bags, leading to issues like 'pocket calls,' and existing solutions, such as locking mechanisms, are not fully effective in preventing unintended button presses.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing sensors like motion and ambient light detectors to determine when a device is in a high ambient motion environment, automatically locking the device and reducing power consumption when detected, and unlocking it when removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device provides locking mechanisms to prevent accidental activation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically detects high ambient motion environments using sensors and self-locks without requiring user intervention. The system monitors motion patterns, identifies pocket/bag placement scenarios, and autonomously activates locking mechanisms, allowing the device to serve itself in preventing accidental activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical locking operations with sensor-based automated detection and control systems. Motion sensors and processors substitute for manual button-pressing sequences, using electronic detection of motion patterns to trigger locking states without direct user mechanical interaction.
2Reliability
If the device remains locked in high motion environments, then accidental activation is prevented, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary detection of the high ambient motion environment state and proactively locks before any accidental activation can occur. By detecting motion patterns indicative of pocket placement in advance, the system pre-emptively activates locking, preventing the need for reactive user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors motion sensor data and provides feedback to the locking control logic. When motion patterns change indicating removal from the high motion environment, the feedback loop automatically triggers unlocking, creating a responsive system that adapts to user needs without manual input.
3Measurement precision
If the device uses multiple sensors to detect environment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data from multiple sensors (motion sensors, ambient light sensors, proximity sensors) into a unified environmental assessment system. The processor integrates signals from these diverse sensors to comprehensively determine high ambient motion environment status, allowing the device to merge multiple detection capabilities into a coordinated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system serves multiple functions: motion detection for locking control, ambient light detection for display adjustment, and proximity detection for additional context. This multi-functional sensor array reduces overall system complexity by having sensors perform multiple roles rather than requiring dedicated sensors for each function.
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
Effectively prevents accidental button presses and conserves power by accurately detecting when a device is in a high ambient motion environment, such as a pocket or bag, and adjusting settings accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
A method and apparatus uses information from available sensors - in one embodiment motion sensor and ambient light detector - to determine when a device goes into a high ambient motion environment (HAME)
Implementation Method 2
A method and apparatus uses information from available sensors - in one embodiment motion sensor and ambient light detector - to determine when a device goes into a high ambient motion environment (HAME)
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for determining when a device is placed in a high ambient motion environment (HAME). The method includes receiving sensor data, and based on the sensor data determining if the device has been placed in the HAME. When placement in the HAME is detected, the method further includes putting the device in a HAME mode. In one embodiment, putting the device in the HAME mode includes locking user input features.