Proximity Sensor Light Modulation for Motion and Distance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity sensors cannot recognize user motions while determining proximity, as they rely on measuring light quantity changes, which fails when the user is not moving.
Innovation Solution
A proximity sensor with a quantity change detection unit that detects changes in reflected light intensity and a motion recognition unit, which determines proximity and motion using occurrence numbers, temporal distribution patterns, and event types, even when the light source intensity changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a proximity sensor measures light quantity changes to determine proximity, then proximity determination is achieved, but motion recognition capability is lost when the user is not moving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light source intensity variable over time rather than static. The light source emits light with intensity that changes according to a predetermined pattern, enabling the sensor to distinguish between proximity-based light quantity changes and motion-based light quantity changes through temporal analysis of the reflected light patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the light source emitting light with periodically varying intensity. This periodic modulation creates distinctive temporal patterns in the reflected light that allow the sensor to differentiate between stationary objects at different distances and moving objects, thereby achieving both proximity determination and motion recognition simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor detects light quantity changes to recognize user motions, then motion recognition is achieved, but proximity measurement fails when the user is not moving
Solution Approach 1:
The light source intensity is dynamically varied over time according to a predetermined pattern, creating temporal signatures in the reflected light. This dynamic approach allows the sensor to analyze not just the magnitude of light quantity changes but also their temporal characteristics, enabling simultaneous motion recognition and proximity measurement regardless of user motion state.
Solution Approach 2:
By employing periodic intensity modulation of the light source, the system creates regular temporal patterns in the reflected light signal. This periodic action enables the sensor to distinguish between signals caused by user motion and signals caused by stationary proximity, resolving the contradiction between motion recognition and proximity measurement capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the light source intensity is varied to enable motion and proximity detection, then dual functionality is achieved, but the complexity of the sensing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by using a single proximity sensor system with a controllable light source to perform both motion recognition and proximity determination. The light source intensity is varied according to a predetermined pattern, allowing the same sensor to extract multiple types of information (motion state and distance) from the reflected light temporal patterns, thereby reducing the need for separate sensing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in the light source intensity over time to enable dual functionality. By modulating the light intensity according to a predetermined pattern and analyzing the temporal characteristics of the reflected light, the sensor can distinguish between motion-induced and proximity-induced light quantity changes, achieving both functions without significantly increasing hardware complexity.
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
Enables the recognition of user motions and accurate proximity determination, including when the user is not moving, by analyzing changes in reflected light quantity and intensity patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a quantity change detection unit which detects a change in quantity of a reflected light which is an output light, of which intensity changes, reflected by an object
Data Source
AI summary
A proximity sensor and proximity sensing method using a change in light quantity of a reflected light are disclosed. The proximity sensor may include a quantity change detection unit which detects a change in a quantity of reflected light which is output light which has been reflected by an object, where an intensity of the output light changes, and a proximity determination unit which determines a proximity of the object to the quantity change detection unit based on a change in the intensity of the output light and the detected change in the quantity of the reflected light.