Proximity Sensor Range Adjustment for Installation Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices installed in transportation vehicles often face issues with proximity sensors being obstructed by surrounding structures, leading to incorrect operations due to varying installation orientations and shapes of the installation space.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with proximity sensors and a controller that adjusts the detection range of these sensors based on the installation state, using a server to acquire and set the appropriate sensitivity levels to prevent obstruction and ensure proper operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the detection range of proximity sensors is set to a fixed value, then the device structure remains simple, but the sensor operation becomes incorrect when installation orientation varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the detection range of proximity sensors adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the detection range based on the detected installation orientation, allowing the sensor to adapt to different installation conditions (horizontal, vertical, tilted) and maintain correct operation without requiring multiple sensor configurations or manual setup
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service by automatically detecting its own installation orientation using acceleration sensors and then autonomously adjusting the proximity sensor detection ranges accordingly. This eliminates the need for manual configuration or external calibration, as the system self-configures based on its detected state
2Reliability
If the detection range is adjusted according to installation state, then sensor operation correctness is maintained, but the device complexity increases due to additional control functions
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it controls the display device operations, detects installation orientation using acceleration sensor data, and adjusts proximity sensor detection ranges. By making the controller multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated hardware for orientation detection and sensor calibration, thus managing complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring acceleration sensor readings to detect installation orientation and using this information to adjust proximity sensor parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the sensor operates correctly in any installation position without requiring complex pre-programming or manual configuration
3Reliability
If multiple sensor configurations are provided for different orientations, then sensor operation is maintained, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple physical sensor configurations or hardware variants for different orientations, the patent changes the operational parameters (detection range) of the proximity sensors through software control. This allows a single device design to serve multiple installation orientations, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliability across different configurations
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is installed in a given space and comprises a main body, one or more sensors, and a controller. The one or more sensors are configured to detect an object around the main body. The controller is configured to set a detection range of the one or more sensors according to an installation state of the main body in the given space.