Proximity Sensor Layout for Gesture-Based App Launching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices with complex user interfaces often require users to navigate through distracting and frustrating interfaces to select functions, leading to inadvertent selection of wrong functions.
Innovation Solution
A mobile platform equipped with a plurality of proximity sensors that detect how the user is holding the device or makes gestures near it, automatically launching associated applications based on sensor configurations, and utilizing orientation and ambient light sensors to assist in determining the appropriate applications to launch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional user interface with buttons and display is used, then users can manually select functions, but the interface becomes distracting and frustrating requiring user attention
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects user actions through proximity sensors and launches appropriate applications without requiring manual user input. The device serves itself by interpreting sensor data to determine user intent and executing corresponding actions autonomously, eliminating the need for complex manual interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical buttons and visual display interfaces with capacitive proximity sensors that detect user presence and actions through electric field changes. This substitution eliminates the need for physical interaction and manual selection, allowing automatic function activation based on sensor detection.
2Reliability
If manual selection of functions is required, then users have control over selections, but inadvertent selection of wrong functions occurs due to interface distractions
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously determines user intent by analyzing patterns from proximity sensor data and automatically launches the appropriate application. This eliminates ambiguous manual selections and prevents inadvertent activation, as the system only responds to clearly identifiable user actions through sensor detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors proximity sensor signals and provides automatic feedback by launching appropriate applications based on detected user actions. This feedback loop ensures reliable function activation by continuously adapting to user presence and actions without requiring manual confirmation, thereby preventing wrong selections.
3Extent of automation
If multiple sensors are added to enable automatic detection, then automatic application launching is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensors serve multiple functions: detecting user presence, determining user actions, identifying device orientation, and triggering appropriate applications. By making the sensor system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving high automation.
4Measurement precision
If proximity sensors are positioned at multiple locations, then gesture detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions proximity sensors at specific locations on the device housing where they can detect particular user actions or gestures. Each sensor is placed to detect specific local actions, and the combination of sensor data provides comprehensive gesture recognition. This localized approach maintains manufacturing simplicity by placing sensors in functional positions rather than requiring complex uniform distribution.
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 provides an intuitive and efficient user interface that reduces distractions by automatically launching the correct application based on user interaction, enhancing usability and reducing errors.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive proximity sensors may be positioned at different locations on the housing, including the sides, front and back. Signals from the capacitive proximity sensors are analyzed
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile platform includes a plurality of proximity sensors coupled to a housing including on the sides, front and back of the housing. Signals from the proximity sensors are analyzed to determine configuration of the proximity sensors that are activated. The configuration may be a sequence of proximity sensors that are activated, e.g., when a gesture is detected, or the locations of the proximity sensors that are activated when the mobile platform is held in different manners. Mobile platform applications associated with the configuration are determined and automatically launched. For example, the applications may include a camera application or short message service (SMS) application, as well as controlling telephony operations, controlling a music player, and providing status information. Information from an orientation sensor and/or ambient light detector may also be used to assist in determining the applications to be launched.