Multi-Level Command Sensing via Light Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional user interfaces with mobile devices require direct contact for input, limiting the ability to provide commands before touching the screen and not allowing for multi-level command execution without physical contact.
Innovation Solution
A multi-level command sensing apparatus using a matrix of light sensors and light sources integrated into the display, which detects changes in light conditions to determine user actions and execute commands based on hovering or touching motions, including pressure levels, by comparing detected patterns to predefined sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If direct contact touch interface is used, then simple and reliable command detection is achieved, but user interaction is limited to post-contact commands only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing capabilities (hover detection, touch detection, pressure sensing) into a single integrated display system. The display serves both as visual output and as the sensing interface, eliminating the need for separate sensors and enabling pre-contact command input through hover detection while maintaining post-contact functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The display is designed to perform multiple functions: visual display, hover sensing, touch sensing, and pressure sensing. This multi-functional approach allows the same interface to detect various user interactions (hovering, touching, pressing) and execute different command levels without requiring additional dedicated components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hover detection is added to enable pre-contact commands, then command input timing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges hover detection and touch detection into a unified sensing mechanism within the display. By using the same display structure to detect both pre-contact hovering and post-contact touching, the system achieves multiple interaction modes without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display is designed as a universal sensing interface that can detect various user interactions (hovering, touching, pressing) through its inherent properties. This multi-functional design allows the same component to serve multiple sensing purposes, reducing the need for additional dedicated sensors.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light sensors are integrated into the display, then sensing precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into multiple discrete light sensors distributed across the display matrix. Each sensor independently detects light conditions at its location, and the collective data from all sensors provides comprehensive spatial resolution for precise hover and touch detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The light sensors are nested within the display structure, with sensors positioned behind or integrated into the display layers. This nesting approach allows the sensing function to be embedded within the existing display architecture, reducing the need for separate sensor assemblies and simplifying manufacturing.
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 users to provide commands and authenticate securely by recognizing hovering motions and pressure levels without direct contact, enhancing user interaction and security through integrated light sensing technology.
Implementation Method 1
the controller can be configured to determine an approximate position and movement of the finger or object from the changes in the amount of light detected by the light sensors caused by the shadow, or shade, cast by the hovering object onto the panel
Implementation Method 2
the light sensors can detect a brightening of the initially shaded area, due to the reflection and scattering of the light from the light sources off the object touching the screen
Implementation Method 3
the light sensors can detect a brightening of the initially shaded area, due to the reflection and scattering of the light from the light sources off the object touching the screen
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for a multi-level command sensing apparatus that includes a matrix of light sensors and light sources and that may also serve as the display. In one embodiment, a method for performing multi-level command sensing by a multi-level command sensing apparatus comprises detecting a leakage current corresponding to changes of light conditions on a display by one or more light sensors of the multi-level command sensing apparatus, determining an action performed by a user based on the changes of light conditions on the display by a controller of the multi-level command sensing apparatus, determining a command based on the action performed by the controller of the multi-level command sensing apparatus, and executing the command by the controller of the multi-level command sensing apparatus.