Proximity Control Circuit for Screen Switching Without Power Key Wear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Frequent pressing of the power key on terminals leads to rapid abrasion and degradation, reducing the lifespan of the key.

Innovation Solution

A control circuit comprising a proximity detector, current-voltage conversion circuit, and control signal generation circuit that uses sensors to detect the state of motion and generate control signals for turning the screen on and off, reducing the need for direct key presses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a physical power key is used to turn the screen on and off, then the screen can be controlled easily, but the power key surface will be abraded rapidly and the key will be degraded quickly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen controlVSAvoidpower key lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical power key pressing operation with an optical sensing system. The proximity sensor detects the user's hand approach and motion state through optical fields, converting mechanical interaction into optical detection. This substitution eliminates direct contact with the power key, preventing surface abrasion and degradation while maintaining screen control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a proximity sensor as an intermediary between the user and the screen control system. Instead of directly pressing the power key, the user's hand motion is detected by the sensor, which then generates control signals. This intermediary mechanism transfers the control function from mechanical key pressing to optical detection, preserving the power key from wear while achieving the same control purpose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the power key is pressed frequently to switch the screen on and off, then the screen control function is achieved, but the power key will be damaged more easily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen switching frequencyVSAvoidpower key durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces frequent mechanical pressing operations with optical detection-based control. The proximity sensor continuously monitors hand presence and motion state, enabling screen switching through detected motion patterns rather than repeated key presses. This substitution allows high-frequency screen control without subjecting the power key to mechanical wear, resolving the contradiction between productivity and durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the power key to serve itself by eliminating the need for user pressing. The proximity sensor automatically detects user intent through hand motion and generates control signals without requiring physical contact with the power key. This self-service mechanism allows frequent screen switching while the power key remains untouched, preserving its durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a proximity sensor is used to detect hand motion and generate control signals, then the power key wear is reduced, but the control circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower key lifespanVSAvoidcontrol circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the proximity sensor serve multiple functions: detecting hand presence, determining motion state (approaching or leaving), and generating appropriate control signals (turn on or turn off). This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate sensors and processing logic into a single integrated approach, reducing the overall system complexity despite the added sensing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the proximity sensor's continuous monitoring of hand position and motion state to automatically generate control signals. The sensor output directly informs the control logic, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to user intent. This feedback mechanism simplifies the control circuit by using the sensor's inherent capabilities rather than requiring additional complex processing hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Extends the lifespan of the power key by minimizing direct presses and reducing wear, while allowing for efficient screen control through motion detection.

Implementation Method 1

the detector is proximity detector; a current output end of the detector is connected with a current input end of the current-voltage conversion circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProximity sensing:

Data Source

PatentEP3068053B1A control circuit and terminal
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 SANECHIPS TECH CO LTD
  • EP3068053B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

A control circuit and a terminal are provided. The control circuit includes a detector (101), a current-voltage conversion circuit (102) and a control signal generation circuit (103). The current output end (1011) of the detector is connected with the current input end (1021) of the current-voltage conversion circuit. The voltage output end (1022) of the current-voltage conversion circuit (102) is connected with the voltage input end (1031) of the control signal generation circuit (103). The signal output end (1032) of the control signal generation circuit (103) outputs a control signal. The detector detects a state of motion of a detected object and generates at least one current signal according to the state of motion of the detected object. The current-voltage conversion circuit converts the at least one current signal transmitted by the detector to at least one voltage signal. The control signal generation circuit generates the control signal based on a variation rule of the at least one voltage signal transmitted by the current-voltage conversion circuit and a preset control signal generation strategy, and output the control signal.