Proximity Sensor Gesture Control for Contactless Electronic Device Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with touch panels lack improved operability for input operations, particularly when the user's hand is dirty or when multiple scroll amounts and simultaneous operations are required, as they typically rely on direct touch interactions which can be cumbersome and limited in functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with a proximity sensor that detects gestures at a distance, allowing for gesture-based input operations without contact, combined with a touch sensor for traditional touch interactions, enabling enhanced operability by associating gestures with specific operations on one screen and touches with operations on another, thereby improving usability, especially in scenarios like cooking or driving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct touch interaction is used on the touch panel, then the device can be controlled, but the operability is limited and requires direct contact which is cumbersome when the user's hand is dirty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary input method (gesture recognition) between the user and the device. Instead of direct touch, the system detects gestures performed near the device using proximity sensors and cameras, allowing users to operate the device without direct contact while maintaining versatile control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical touch-based input system with a non-contact gesture recognition system. By using sensors to detect hand movements and gestures in the air space near the device, the system substitutes physical touch with optical and electromagnetic field-based detection, enabling operation when hands are dirty or when contactless interaction is needed
2Ease of operation
If gesture-based input is added to the touch panel device, then operability is improved for contactless operations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing components multi-functional. The proximity sensor and camera, which could be used for basic functions like distance detection or user identification, are extended to also perform gesture recognition. This allows the system to gain contactless operation capability without adding dedicated gesture sensing hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input methods (gesture and touch) are supported, then versatility is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring input operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the input detection space into different zones (e.g., gesture detection zone near the top edge, touch detection zone on the panel surface). By spatially segmenting where different input methods are detected and how they are processed, the system can handle multiple input types without creating complex detection logic, as each zone has dedicated processing rules
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
The solution enhances operability by allowing users to perform complex operations like scrolling and screen management without direct contact, maintaining cleanliness and reducing the need for frequent touch interactions, thus improving user experience and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
detects a gesture, performed by a user at a distance from the electronic device, using a proximity sensor such as an infrared sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device includes a sensor configured to detect a gesture that does not come into contact with the electronic device, a touch sensor, a display configured to display a first screen and a second screen, and a controller configured to associate the gesture detected by the sensor with an operation of the first screen and a touch detected by the touch sensor with an operation of the second screen in accordance with a position where the sensor is disposed.