Optical Finger Detection Using Waveguides and Ambient Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current user interfaces for mobile devices are not adaptable to non-standard finger sizes or left-handed users, often require energization, and are prone to mechanical failure, limiting convenience and personalization in diverse environments.
Innovation Solution
An optical interface employing waveguides to detect finger position and orientation using external light sources, converting collected light into digital signals for determining finger profiles and interactions, allowing for customizable visual indicators and reliable operation in various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional user interface mechanisms (capacitive sensors, mechanical switches) are used, then detection of user interaction is enabled, but the interface requires energization and is prone to mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches and capacitive sensors with an optical detection system using waveguides and light sources. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and reduces power consumption by using passive optical elements (waveguides) that only require minimal power for light emission, thereby improving reliability while reducing energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical interface uses ambient light sources (such as store lighting or sunlight) to illuminate the waveguides, allowing the system to function without requiring continuous power supply for illumination. The waveguides passively guide light and detect finger presence through light blockage, enabling the interface to serve itself using environmental resources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If predetermined interface arrangements are used, then detection mechanism is simplified, but adaptability to different user types (left-handed, non-standard finger sizes) is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic interface configuration system that detects the user's hand orientation (left or right hand) and finger positions, then automatically adjusts the visual indicators and control positions on the display. This dynamic adaptation allows the interface to accommodate different user types without requiring multiple fixed configurations, maintaining simplicity while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical sensors to detect finger presence and position, then provides feedback by adjusting the display configuration accordingly. The interface monitors user interaction patterns and adapts its layout in real-time, creating a feedback loop that enhances adaptability while managing complexity through automated adjustment rather than manual configuration.
3Ease of operation
If multiple detection mechanisms are arranged to accommodate typical finger sizes, then detection coverage is improved, but convenience for users with non-standard finger sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguide system serves multiple functions: it detects finger presence, determines hand orientation (left or right hand), measures finger position, and triggers appropriate interface adjustments. This multi-functional approach allows a single detection system to accommodate users with varying finger sizes and preferences, improving ease of operation while maintaining detection precision through comprehensive optical monitoring.
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
Provides a non-mechanical, reliable, and adaptable interface that accommodates different finger sizes and handedness, enhancing user interaction and personalization while reducing mechanical failures and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a first end of each waveguide is coupled to an interior surface of the transparent portion at relatively equidistant or unequidistant positions such that they are arranged to collect light from a light source that is external to the mobile device
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for employing ambient light collected from an external light source to detect a user's fingers that are gripping at least a relatively transparent portion of a case. The ends of a plurality of waveguides are coupled at relatively unequal or equidistant positions to the interior surface of the transparent portion, where they are arranged to collect light from the exterior light source if the user's finger(s) are not gripping the mobile device at that position. If the light collected by the wave guides is blocked by one or more of the user's fingers, a profile can be determined for the placement, orientation (left handed or right handed), and size of the user's fingers and hand gripping the mobile device. Also, interactions of the fingers with the mobile device can be detected, such as lifting away, pressing, or sliding one or more fingers at the transparent portion for a short or relatively lengthy period of time. Additionally, the collected light can be provided by one or more external light sources, such as ambient light from remotely located sources, one or more illuminators within a mobile device such as a back light for a display, control or other element.