Multiple Proximity Sensors for Fall Detection and Display Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices, particularly smartphones, are limited in their use of proximity sensors to a single sensor for applications like optimizing battery consumption and avoiding unintended touches, lacking the capability to utilize multiple sensors for diverse functionalities such as fall detection and display optimization.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with multiple proximity sensors placed at various locations, which iteratively capture proximity parameters at predefined intervals, analyzed by a processor to determine stability factors and fall probabilities, enabling selective activation/deactivation of vibration engines and display adjustments based on sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single proximity sensor is used in conventional smartphones, then the device can determine whether the touch screen display is in close proximity to a user's face during a call, but the device lacks the capability to utilize multiple sensors for diverse functionalities such as fall detection and display optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple proximity sensors (first, second, and third proximity sensors) positioned at different locations within the device to enable diverse functionalities including fall detection, display optimization, and battery management. Each sensor contributes to multiple functions: the first proximity sensor detects objects near the top edge for call scenarios, the second proximity sensor detects objects near the middle edge for fall detection, and the third proximity sensor detects objects near the bottom edge for display optimization, thereby achieving universal functionality across multiple application scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the device into multiple monitoring zones by positioning proximity sensors at different locations (top edge, middle edge, bottom edge). Each sensor independently monitors its specific zone, allowing the system to segment the detection space and apply different processing logic to each segment based on the detected object's position, enabling precise control over display portions and vibration engines
2Reliability
If multiple proximity sensors are deployed at various locations, then the device can capture proximity parameters iteratively for fall detection and display optimization, but the processing complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific functional priorities to different sensors based on their positions. The first proximity sensor (top edge) primarily handles call scenario detection, the second proximity sensor (middle edge) focuses on fall detection, and the third proximity sensor (bottom edge) manages display optimization. This localized functional assignment reduces processing complexity by preventing all sensors from simultaneously processing all functions, thereby improving reliability through specialized detection while managing computational load
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary classification of detected objects by determining their position relative to the device (top, middle, or bottom edge) before initiating specific processing actions. This preliminary spatial classification allows the processor to quickly determine which sensor detected the object and apply pre-defined processing logic for that specific scenario, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy
3Reliability
If the device continuously monitors proximity parameters at predefined time intervals, then the device can compute stability factors and determine fall probability, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of proximity parameters at predefined time intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The proximity sensors capture proximity parameters iteratively, and the processor computes stability factors based on these periodic measurements. This periodic action reduces power consumption compared to continuous monitoring while maintaining reliable fall detection capability through sufficient sampling frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial processing by only computing stability factors and initiating fall prevention actions when proximity parameter changes exceed certain thresholds. The processor compares stability factors against predefined thresholds and only activates vibration engines or generates alerts when fall probability is determined to be high, avoiding unnecessary processing and energy consumption during normal stable conditions
4Adaptability or versatility
If the processor analyzes proximity parameters from multiple sensors and computes stability factors, then the device can perform display optimization by turning off covered portions, but the processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary spatial classification by determining which proximity sensor detected an object and its position relative to the device (top, middle, or bottom edge) before initiating display optimization. This preliminary classification allows the processor to quickly identify which display portions are covered and apply pre-defined optimization actions, reducing processing time while maintaining versatile display control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing only the specific portions of the display that are covered by detected objects, rather than processing the entire display. The processor determines the relative coordinates of detected objects and selectively turns off or adjusts only the affected display regions, reducing computational load and processing time while maintaining full display optimization capability across different scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple proximity sensors based electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a plurality of proximity sensors, which are configured to iteratively capture at least one proximity parameter at predefined time intervals. A processor within the electronic device determines a value of the at least one proximity parameter and compares the value with a predefined threshold value. The processor then identifies at least one proximity sensor from the plurality of proximity sensors based on the comparing and determines relative coordinates of each of the at least one proximity sensor with respect to the display. The processor then performs a predefined action within the electronic device based on the relative coordinates determined for each of the at least one proximity sensor.