Multi-Directional Proximity Sensor Aperture Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity sensors in electronic devices have difficulty determining the precise location and direction of nearby objects, limiting their effectiveness in distinguishing between touch inputs and object proximity.
Innovation Solution
The use of proximity sensor components with infrared receivers and strategically positioned apertures that attenuate infrared emissions differently based on direction, allowing processors to determine the origin of infrared signals and differentiate between user inputs and object proximity through signal analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art proximity detectors are used to detect nearby objects, then object presence detection is achieved, but directional information and precise location determination are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple aperture structures positioned at different locations and orientations (first aperture on front face, second aperture on side face). Each aperture receives infrared emissions from different spatial directions, segmenting the detection field into directional zones that enable precise location determination
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from single-point proximity detection to multi-dimensional spatial detection by adding angular/directional dimension. Multiple apertures arranged in three-dimensional space create distinct reception angles, transforming the detection capability from radial symmetry to directional sensitivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple apertures with different orientations are used to detect directional infrared emissions, then directional detection capability is improved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple apertures serve dual functions: they act as both optical receivers for infrared emissions and as structural elements defining reception angles. The same aperture structures that provide mechanical housing also enable directional detection, eliminating the need for separate directional sensing components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the housing structure with the optical reception system. The housing itself incorporates apertures at specific orientations, combining mechanical support and directional detection functions into a single integrated structure, thereby reducing overall system complexity
3Loss of information
If infrared emissions are attenuated differently through various apertures, then signal differentiation for directional detection is enhanced, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure pre-attenuates infrared emissions differently for each aperture based on its orientation and position before the signals reach the detector. This preliminary physical differentiation of signals by the housing geometry simplifies subsequent electronic processing, as the directional information is already encoded in the signal intensity variations
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
This approach enables accurate directional detection of infrared emissions, enhancing the ability to distinguish between edge interactions and inputs above the device's major face, improving user interaction and device control operations.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor component disposed within the housing and having an infrared receiver to receive an infrared emission from an object external to the housing
Implementation Method 2
determine from which direction the infrared emission was received by determining whether the infrared emission was attenuated
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing, one or more processors, and one or more proximity sensor components, each having an infrared signal receiver to receive an infrared emission from an object external to the housing. The proximity sensor component is disposed by a first aperture and a second aperture, the first aperture having a first axis oriented in a first direction and the second aperture having a second axis oriented in a second direction. Attenuation of infrared emissions can occur through one of the first aperture or the second aperture. The one or more processors can determine whether a received infrared emission is attenuated to detect whether the received infrared emission was received from the first direction or the second direction.