Proximity Detector Mode Switching for Clothing Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proximity detectors in portable devices often struggle to accurately detect user inputs when shielded by clothing or in scenarios requiring a broader range of interactions, as they typically operate in high definition mode, which may not be convenient or possible in all situations.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus and method allow the proximity detector to switch between high and low definition modes based on detected criteria, using a single proximity detector to disambiguate different sets of user actuations by adjusting sensitivity and spatial resolution, enabling accurate detection of user inputs even through clothing or in low definition scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the proximity detector operates in high definition mode with many sensor elements per unit area, then the measurement precision of user actuations is improved, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation decreases when shielded by clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity detector dynamically switches between high definition mode and low definition mode based on detected criteria such as shielding conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high precision when needed while improving ease of operation when the detector is shielded by clothing, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different definition modes. In low definition mode, the detector uses fewer sensor elements and adjusted sensitivity parameters to improve detection capability through clothing shielding, while maintaining high definition mode for precise actuation detection when shielding is not present.
2Ease of operation
If the proximity detector uses a single sensor element, then the ease of operation is improved for broad range detection, but the measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity detector dynamically adjusts the number of active sensor elements based on operational conditions. When shielding is detected, the system switches to low definition mode with fewer sensor elements to improve ease of operation. When shielding is not present, the system switches to high definition mode with more sensor elements to maximize measurement precision for actuation differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array is segmented into groups that can be selectively activated. In low definition mode, fewer sensor elements are activated to improve detection through clothing, while in high definition mode, more sensor elements are activated for precise actuation differentiation. This segmentation allows the system to balance ease of operation and measurement precision based on operational needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the proximity detector operates in low definition mode with fewer sensor elements, then the ease of operation is improved for broad scenarios, but the measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity detector dynamically switches between operational modes to adapt to different usage scenarios. When broad range detection is needed (such as when shielded by clothing), the system operates in low definition mode with fewer sensor elements, improving adaptability. When precise actuation differentiation is needed, the system switches to high definition mode, maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity detector is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between high definition mode and low definition mode. This multi-functionality allows the same device to handle both precise actuation detection and broad scenario detection (including through clothing shielding), thereby improving adaptability while maintaining measurement precision when needed.
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 enables reliable user input detection over a wider range of scenarios, including those where high definition actuations are not feasible, by increasing sensitivity in low definition mode and reducing power consumption, while maintaining accurate differentiation of user gestures.
Implementation Method 1
Touch events, proximity events or gestures can be detected at a sensor pixel by measuring changes in capacitance between drive lines and sense lines associated with the pixel
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus comprising:at least one proximity detector configured to disambiguate different user actuations proximal to the proximity detector; wherein the apparatus is configured to use the at least one proximity detector in a high definition mode to disambiguate a first set of user actuations and wherein,the apparatus is configured to use, in response to detection of a first criteria, the at least one proximity detector in a low definition mode to disambiguate a second, smaller set of user actuations.