Proximity Sensor Power Adjustment for Mobile Phone Call Misoperation
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Solution Overview
Problem
As mobile phone screens grow larger, the offset placement of proximity sensors increases the likelihood of call-up operation errors due to exposure during phone calls, especially in noisy environments where users tend to hold phones closer to their ears, leading to accidental touchscreen activation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically adjust the emitting power of the proximity sensor by increasing transmission power when the obstruction moves away, using a higher current setting (100mA) and a threshold comparison to determine the proximity state, thereby preventing accidental screen activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the proximity sensor is offset to the left or right side for cost considerations, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the reliability of preventing call-up operation errors deteriorates because the sensor may be exposed during phone calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the proximity sensor's transmission power adjustable rather than fixed. The sensor dynamically changes its emitting power based on detection results: using high power when no obstruction is detected and low power when an obstruction is detected. This dynamic adjustment allows the offset-placed sensor to effectively detect obstructions in varying positions, resolving the contradiction between cost-effective offset placement and reliable error prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the proximity sensor from a fixed transmission power to a variable transmission power with at least two levels (high and low). This parameter change enables the sensor to adapt its detection range and sensitivity based on the presence of obstructions, allowing offset-placed sensors to maintain high detection reliability without requiring central placement, thus reducing manufacturing costs while preventing call-up errors.
2Measurement precision
If the proximity sensor uses high transmission power continuously, then the detection precision improves, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between high and low transmission power modes based on detection needs. The sensor starts with high power to ensure initial detection precision, then switches to low power when obstructions are detected, periodically adjusting power levels to match operational requirements. This periodic power adjustment maintains detection precision when needed while reducing energy consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using high transmission power only when necessary (initial detection or when no obstruction is detected) rather than continuously. When obstructions are detected, the sensor uses low power, applying the excessive action principle by having the capability for high power but using it only partially, thus maintaining detection precision when needed while significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
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
Effectively reduces call-up operation errors by ensuring the display remains off when the phone is near the user's face, without requiring additional components, thus lowering manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
determining whether the reflection intensity exceeds a setting threshold at this time, that is, determining whether the obstruction is in a proximity state
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for preventing call-up operation errors and system using the same are provided. The method includes the steps of: (S1) a proximity sensor continuously detecting a proximity or distant state of an obstruction; (S2) when detecting that the obstruction approaches, uploading the proximity state in drive program to an upper layer; (S3) when detecting that the obstruction moves far away, the proximity sensor first skipping reporting the distant state at this time, and increasing the transmission power of the proximity sensor; (S4) determining whether the reflection intensity signal exceeds a setting threshold; and (S5) if the obstruction is near the proximity sensor of the mobile phone, the proximity sensor skips uploading the distant state, and the display screen will not light up, if the obstruction is far away from the proximity sensor, the proximity sensor uploading the distant state and then lighting up the display screen. The present invention solves the following problem: when the proximity sensor is exposed out of the obstruction, the transmission power of the proximity sensor is increased to determine whether the mobile phone is near the face, and if the mobile phone is near the face, the display screen remains off in order to decreasing the risk of the call-up operation errors.