Proximity Sensor Gesture Evaluation With Two-Stage Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for vehicle operation, such as those using capacitive or optical proximity sensors, often lack user and operator acceptance due to uncertainty about correct gesture execution and performance under unfavorable conditions, leading to potential misuse and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a control and evaluation unit that generates a first operating signal upon detecting an initiating gesture, followed by a second signal confirming valid operation, ensuring consistent user feedback and improved reliability through distinct signal encoding and timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single operating signal is output only after complete gesture validation, then false operations are prevented, but user uncertainty increases and acceptance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system outputs a preliminary first operating signal when the object enters the detection range, before complete gesture validation is finished. This preliminary signal provides early feedback to the user that the system has detected the intended gesture, reducing uncertainty and improving acceptance while maintaining reliable operation through subsequent validation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a two-stage feedback mechanism: first signal provides intermediate feedback upon gesture detection, and second signal provides final confirmation after complete validation. This staged feedback keeps the user informed about the operation status without compromising the reliability of the final activation
2Ease of operation
If optical marking is added to indicate gesture areas, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device uses its existing proximity detection capability to indirectly indicate the active gesture area by detecting objects within its detection range. The system leverages the object's presence itself as the indication mechanism, eliminating the need for separate optical marking components while maintaining ease of operation
3Loss of information
If multiple signals with distinct encoding are output, then user feedback transparency improves, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback information is segmented into two distinct signals with different encodings: first signal indicates gesture detection, second signal confirms complete validation. This segmentation provides transparent feedback about the operation status at different stages while using simple, distinguishable signal encodings that minimize processing complexity
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for evaluating a sensor device, said sensor device comprising at least one proximity sensor. The sensor values (S1, S2) measured by the proximity sensor are monitored (in block 10), and when the beginning of an actuation is ascertained, a timer (t1) is started (in block 30). When the first timer has reached a first target value (tz1) and the measured sensor values (S1, S2) consistently meet a first criterion since the first timer was started, a first operation signal is output (in block 30). When the additional measured sensor values meet a second criterion (in block 20) configured to recognize a valid execution of an operation gesture, a valid operation is ascertained and a second operation signal is output (in block 20) provided that a first operation signal has already been output. If no first operation signal has been output, the first operation signal is output first, followed by the second operation signal.