Compact Opto-Electronic Sensor Modules for Gesture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gesture sensors have limited detection zones, making it awkward for users to perform hand gestures that need to be detected, as they require the user to position their hands off-center relative to the device, which can hinder natural and efficient gesture recognition.
Innovation Solution
Compact opto-electronic sensor modules that emit light over a wide area above the device's surface, using multiple light detecting elements and passive optical elements to cover a significant portion of space (5-15 cm) directly above the device, allowing for more natural and less awkward hand gesture detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the detection zone is expanded to cover areas directly above the device surface, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection space is segmented into multiple quadrants (first, second, third, fourth quadrants) with each light detecting element assigned to a specific quadrant. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the area above the device while maintaining a compact module structure, resolving the contradiction between expanded detection zone and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single detection point to a two-dimensional array of light detecting elements arranged in quadrants. This dimensional expansion enables wide-area gesture detection directly above the device surface while keeping each individual sensor element compact, thus improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light detecting elements are used to cover different quadrants, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area is divided into four distinct quadrants, each monitored by a dedicated light detecting element. This segmentation enables precise determination of which quadrant contains the gesture, improving measurement precision while maintaining a simple modular architecture where each element has a defined function.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple light detecting elements are combined within a single integrated module structure. The module integrates four detection elements, optical channels, and support structures into one compact unit, achieving high measurement precision through multiple sensors while containing the complexity within a unified design rather than requiring separate external components.
3Ease of operation
If the light emitting element illuminates a wide area, then the ease of operation improves, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting element is configured to illuminate specific regions (quadrants) selectively rather than uniformly illuminating all directions. Each light detecting element receives light primarily from its corresponding quadrant, allowing the system to illuminate only the necessary areas for detection, thus improving ease of operation while reducing overall energy consumption compared to omnidirectional illumination.
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 the detection of a wide range of hand gestures and motions with improved ease and naturalness, while maintaining a compact size suitable for integration into handheld devices with limited space, and low power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
light (e.g., infra-red) from a light emitting element in the module can illuminate substantially all, or at least a significant percentage of, areas in a plane directly above the surface of the device
Implementation Method 2
An optical element (e.g., lens) associated with the light emitting element can direct the light received from the light emitting element so that it illuminates a significant part or substantially all of the space at a distance of about 5-15 cm directly above the surface of the device
Implementation Method 3
Each of multiple light detecting elements in the module can be arranged to receive light from a respective detection zone directly above the surface of the device
Data Source
AI summary
Compact opto-electronic sensor modules are described that allow detection of an object's motion occurring in spatial regions (e.g., quadrants) that are located primarily directly about the surface of a device in which the module is located. For example, light (e.g., infra-red) from a light emitting element in the module can illuminate substantially all, or at least a significant percentage of, areas in a plane directly above the surface of the device. Each of multiple light detecting elements in the module can be arranged to receive light from a respective detection zone directly above the surface of the device.