Multi-Channel Proximity Sensor for False-Touch Resistant White Goods UI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch-sensitive systems for white goods, such as refrigerators and washing machines, face issues with false touch detection due to shiny jewelry reflecting light onto unintended proximity sensors, and they struggle to accurately determine the height of objects above the surface, as they rely on relative light reflection without accounting for varying reflective properties of materials.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of light-based proximity sensors with multiple detection channels using infrared LEDs and photodiodes, which project and receive light to detect the presence and position of objects, and a processor that activates specific light sources based on object proximity and gestures, allowing for accurate touch and gesture recognition while minimizing false activations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional touch-sensitive systems use single-channel proximity sensors, then device complexity is low, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish intended touches from inadvertent reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor is divided into multiple detection channels (first channel and second channel), each detecting light reflection from different directions. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between intended touches (which reflect light to both channels) and inadvertent reflections (which only reflect to one channel), thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary analysis mechanism that processes signals from multiple channels. By comparing the reflected light signals across different channels, the system can identify patterns characteristic of genuine touches versus false reflections, effectively using the multi-channel configuration as an intermediary to resolve the detection accuracy issue
2Measurement precision
If conventional systems rely on relative light reflection, then device complexity is low, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to determine absolute object height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-dimension relative reflection measurement to multi-dimensional detection by using multiple detection channels that capture light reflection from different angular dimensions. This dimensional expansion enables the system to calculate absolute object height by analyzing the geometric relationships between reflected light paths, rather than relying solely on relative intensity changes
3Ease of operation
If the system activates light sources based on proximity detection, then ease of operation is improved through intuitive interfaces, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic activation of light sources rather than continuous operation. Light sources are activated in response to proximity detection events and deactivated when not needed, creating a periodic on-demand operation pattern. This approach maintains intuitive user interface functionality while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor system automatically triggers light source activation without requiring manual user input. The system serves itself by detecting proximity and autonomously activating the appropriate light sources, providing an intuitive user experience while managing energy consumption through event-driven operation rather than constant activation
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 solution enhances the accuracy of touch and gesture detection, reduces false activations, and provides intuitive user interfaces for white goods by accurately determining object height and distinguishing between intended touches and inadvertent reflections, thereby improving user interaction with appliances.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared light receiver adjacent to the light emitter for receiving a portion of the projected light reflected by the person
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of sources of visible light arranged along the one or more edges of the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A touch sensor including a housing, a light guide mounted in the housing the light guide featuring an aperture through which light exits and enters the light guide, and an inner surface facing the interior of the housing, the sensor further includes two light emitters mounted in the housing for emitting light beams into the light guide that exit the aperture at diverging angles and a light receiver mounted in the housing for receiving reflected light beams entering the aperture at an angle of incidence different than the diverging angles.