Multi-Proximity Sensor Input for Precise Distance-Based Gestures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proximity sensors in modern computing devices are limited to binary output, restricting their ability to provide nuanced and precise user interfaces, as they can only determine the presence or absence of an object rather than measuring distances or velocities accurately.
Innovation Solution
An application programming interface (API) is developed to allow applications to request and receive distance measurements from multiple proximity sensors, enabling more precise user interactions by utilizing sequences of distance and velocity values, which can be combined with data from other sensors like accelerometers to enhance input sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If proximity sensors are limited to binary output (object present/absent), then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and user interface nuance are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing system into multiple independent proximity sensors positioned at different locations on the device. Each sensor provides independent distance measurements, and the system segments the measurement space into multiple zones. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher measurement precision through multiple data points while keeping each individual sensor simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from binary (0/1) output to continuous distance measurement output, adding a new dimension of information. By measuring actual distances rather than just presence/absence, the system gains precise quantitative data about object proximity. This dimensional change enables nuanced user interfaces with multiple distance thresholds and graduated response levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple proximity sensors are used to provide precise distance measurements, then user interface sensitivity and control are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing proximity sensors multi-functional by implementing a comprehensive software framework that enables various interaction modes. The same hardware sensors support gesture recognition, proximity-based controls, drawing applications, gaming, and other functions through software configuration. This universality allows high adaptability without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary software layer (API and processing framework) that mediates between the simple binary proximity sensors and the complex user interface requirements. This intermediary translates basic distance measurements into sophisticated gestures and commands, enabling versatile user interfaces while keeping the sensor hardware relatively simple.
3Loss of information
If binary output from proximity sensors is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of information about distance and velocity occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors distance measurements from multiple sensors and provides graduated responses based on distance thresholds. The system feedbacks information about detected gestures and recognized patterns to the user interface, enabling precise control while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic sampling of proximity sensor data to detect gestures and movements. By continuously and periodically measuring distances and analyzing changes over time, the system extracts velocity and movement pattern information without requiring complex continuous processing. This periodic approach maintains ease of operation while reducing information loss.
Data Source
AI summary
An application programming interface is provided that allows applications to request and receive distance measurements from multiple proximity sensors arranged on a computing device such as a smart phone or tablet. Users can input ranges of values to the applications by moving objects such as hands and fingers towards and away one or more of the multiple proximity sensors. Applications can use the ranges of values provided by the proximity sensors to allow for more nuanced and precise user interfaces than what is typically available using the binary output associated with a capacitive display. The values provided by the proximity sensors can be combined with values from one or more other sensors such as accelerometers to provide additional user interface options.