Proximity Sensor System for User Detection and Mode Switching
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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, particularly in scenarios where multiple objects are close together, leading to difficulties in transitioning between normal and privacy modes effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a proximity sensor system with multiple signal receiver components disposed around the device's perimeter, utilizing infrared wavelengths to detect human body heat, and employing overlapping reception angles for 360-degree coverage, allowing for precise object location determination and differentiation between users and third parties.
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 the presence of objects, but it cannot determine the location or number of objects accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple sensor components (first proximity sensor, second proximity sensor, third proximity sensor) positioned at different locations around the device. Each sensor independently detects objects in its specific direction, allowing the system to determine both presence and location of objects by combining data from multiple segmented detection zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point detection approach to a multi-dimensional detection system by positioning sensors at different spatial locations (front, back, sides) and orientations. This spatial dimensionality enables the system to not only detect object presence but also determine object location and number by analyzing which specific sensors detect signals.
2Measurement precision
If multiple proximity sensors are deployed around the device perimeter, then object location and number can be determined accurately, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs each proximity sensor component to serve multiple functions: detecting object presence, determining object location, and counting the number of objects. By making each sensor multi-functional and strategically positioned, the system achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing complexity, as each sensor contributes to multiple detection objectives simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple proximity sensor detections into a unified detection system that processes signals from all sensors collectively. The processor integrates data from the first, second, and third proximity sensors to simultaneously determine object presence, location, and number, merging individual sensor functions into a comprehensive multi-parameter detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If proximity sensors detect multiple objects close together, then object presence is detected, but the system cannot differentiate between users and third parties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different detection orientations and spatial coverage areas to each proximity sensor. The first sensor detects objects in a first direction, the second sensor in a second direction, and the third sensor in a third direction. By analyzing which specific sensor detects which object based on their local detection zones, the system can differentiate between users (typically detected by sensors facing the user) and third parties (detected by other sensors).
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 enables the electronic device to accurately differentiate between users and third parties, effectively transitioning between normal and privacy modes, ensuring secure access to information and maintaining user privacy by restricting sensitive content visibility.
Implementation Method 1
some proximity sensors emit an electromagnetic or electrostatic field. A receiver then receives reflections of the field from the nearby object.
Implementation Method 2
The proximity sensor detects changes in the received field to detect positional changes of nearby objects based upon changes to the electromagnetic or electrostatic field resulting from the object becoming proximately located with a sensor.
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 with at least a first reception beam oriented at least partially in a first direction and at least a second reception beam oriented at least partially in a second direction. The one or more processors can detect a person is within a thermal reception radius along the first direction, and can determine whether another person is within the thermal reception radius along the second direction. Where only the person is within the thermal reception radius, the electronic device can operate in a first mode of operation. When the person and another person are within the thermal reception radius, the electronic device can operate in a second mode of operation.