Proximity Sensor Overlap for Single or Multiple Person Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity sensors in electronic devices struggle to accurately determine the location and number of objects relative to the device, failing to differentiate between single and multiple individuals, which limits their ability to manage audio and video output effectively, particularly in scenarios requiring privacy protection.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a portable electronic device with multiple proximity sensor components disposed around its perimeter, each with overlapping cumulative reception angles, using infrared signal receivers to detect human body heat and operate in different modes based on the presence of one or multiple individuals, enabling privacy mode operation by restricting access to sensitive information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single proximity sensor is used to detect nearby objects, then the device can detect object presence, but it cannot determine object location or count multiple objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple proximity sensor components (e.g., four sensors at corners of the device). Each sensor independently detects objects in its specific reception angle, enabling the system to determine both presence and location of objects by analyzing which sensors are triggered and their relative signal strengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point detection approach to a multi-dimensional detection system by arranging sensors around the device perimeter with overlapping reception angles. This spatial distribution creates angular and positional dimensions in detection, allowing the system to triangulate object locations and distinguish between multiple objects based on their unique spatial signatures.
2Measurement precision
If proximity sensors are added to improve object detection capability, then location and number detection improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each proximity sensor component serves multiple functions: detecting object presence, determining object location through angular position, and counting objects by analyzing the pattern of activated sensors. The overlapping reception angles allow a single sensor to contribute to multiple detection zones, reducing the total number of sensors needed compared to a non-overlapping configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection functions of multiple sensors into a unified processing system that analyzes signals from all sensors simultaneously. The processor integrates data from multiple proximity sensor components to generate comprehensive object detection information, including location and count, thereby reducing overall system complexity through functional integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple proximity sensor components with overlapping reception angles are used, then object location and number can be determined, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns specific reception angles and detection zones to each proximity sensor component based on its physical location on the device. Each sensor is optimized for its local detection region, with overlapping zones strategically positioned to enable triangulation. This local optimization simplifies manufacturing by allowing standard sensor components to be placed at predetermined locations rather than requiring custom-designed sensor arrays.
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 allows for precise detection of object location and number, enabling the device to switch between normal and privacy modes, protecting sensitive information from unintended viewers by restricting output and access accordingly, enhancing user privacy without user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
In one embodiment, the proximity sensor component comprises an infrared signal receiver to receive an infrared emission from an object such as a human body when the human body is proximately located with the electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing. One or more processors are operable with a plurality of proximity sensor components that can be disposed behind a grille defining a plurality of reception beams having a cumulative beam reception angle. The cumulative beam reception angle of any one proximity sensor component overlaps the cumulative beam reception angle of at least one other proximity sensor component. The one or more processors can detect whether a single person or a plurality of people are within a thermal reception radius of the electronic device. Where the single person is within the thermal reception radius, the one or more processors can operate the electronic device in a first mode of operation, and where the plurality of people are within the thermal reception radius, operate the electronic device in a second mode of operation.