Sensing Control Strip Trajectory Direction Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensing control methods for devices like massagers are prone to mis-triggering due to individual differences in user-operated conductive media, leading to inaccurate control of output parameters such as vibration intensity, heating, and rotation frequency.

Innovation Solution

A sensing control apparatus and method that utilizes multiple sensor units with predetermined threshold values to accurately determine the direction of an external object's trajectory, allowing for precise control of output parameters based on the sensed direction without requiring precise gestures, using proximity sensing and electrical signal variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If capacitance sensing is used to detect touch on control strip, then control functionality is achieved, but control accuracy deteriorates due to individual differences in user's finger characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidcontrol accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing control strip is divided into multiple sensing units with different threshold values. Each sensing unit corresponds to a specific region and has a predetermined threshold. When an external object (finger) moves across the strip, different sensing units are activated based on their thresholds, enabling accurate determination of the object's trajectory direction without being affected by individual finger characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sensing units are assigned different threshold parameters. The thresholds are predetermined and vary across the sensing units. This parameter differentiation allows the system to recognize trajectory direction by comparing which sensing units are activated, thereby achieving accurate control despite variations in user's finger size, shape, or conductivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If trajectory direction sensing is implemented, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensor units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidsensor unit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing control strip is segmented into multiple independent sensing units, each with a predetermined threshold value. This segmentation enables the system to detect trajectory direction by comparing which segments are activated, achieving precise control while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be integrated into existing devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensing units with different thresholds are used, then trajectory direction detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrajectory detection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Different threshold parameters are assigned to different sensing units along the control strip. These threshold variations can be implemented through standard manufacturing processes such as varying the capacitance values or geometric dimensions of different sensing unit regions, making the solution manufacturable while achieving accurate trajectory detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances control sensitivity and reliability, enabling users to achieve desired control effects with ease by accurately triggering output changes based on the sensed trajectory direction, reducing mis-triggering and improving user experience.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor is configured for generating an electrical signal variation in response to the approaching of an external object; the main control unit is configured for acquiring a trajectory direction of the external object according to electrical signal variations of the sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProximity sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3505149B1Sensing control method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 AMERICAN LATEX CORP
  • EP3505149B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3505149B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP3505149B1 patent drawingFigure 4~8

AI summary

The invention provides a sensing control method and apparatus, and a vibration massage apparatus. The method comprises: arranging a sensor which senses a trajectory of an external object, and controlling the change of output based on the direction of the trajectory. With the invention, a desirable control effect can be obtained based on the sensed direction of the trajectory of the external object without accurate positioning of the sensor. Not only the convenience of the sensing operation can be improved significantly, but also the control accuracy can be improved; meanwhile, the invention can be well applied to any device for control using several input control signals or variable input control signals for control, thus having a wide range of application and significantly optimizing user experience.