Sensor-Integrated Stationary Display for Adaptive Light Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional alarm clocks with light emitters lack integration of multiple sensors to enhance their functionality and user interaction.

Innovation Solution

A stationary device equipped with a display, a non-contact sensor, an optical sensor, and a controller that controls device functions based on sensor inputs, adjusting light emission patterns and brightness according to environmental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors are added to enhance functionality, then the device performance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidsensor integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensors (non-contact sensor and optical sensor) into a single stationary device housing, integrating their functions rather than using separate devices. The controller receives and processes outputs from both sensors simultaneously, merging detection capabilities into one unified system that enhances functionality without requiring multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stationary device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both non-contact sensing (for presence detection) and optical sensing (for light level detection) capabilities within a single device. This universal design allows the device to perform multiple functions - detecting user presence, monitoring ambient light, and controlling display brightness - thereby improving adaptability while maintaining a consolidated device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If sensors are positioned to optimize detection, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning sensors in specific locations optimized for their detection functions. The non-contact sensor is placed in the upper region where it can effectively detect presence, while the optical sensor is positioned in the lower region for optimal light level detection. Each sensor is located in the most favorable position for its specific detection task, improving measurement precision without requiring complex internal routing or positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 user interaction and functionality by detecting movement and light levels, allowing adaptive light emission patterns and improved user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a non-contact sensor configured to detect an object without physical contact, provided in a front part of the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNon-contact detection:

Implementation Method 2

an optical sensor configured to detect light, provided below the non-contact sensor in the front part of the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4687012A1Stationary device
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP4687012A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4687012A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4687012A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A stationary device 1 having a display 5 includes: a body 10 in which the display is provided so as to be viewable from the front; an user-operable part 31 configured to emit light, provided in an upper region of the body; a non-contact sensor 21 configured to detect an object without physical contact, provided in a front part of the body; an optical sensor 22 configured to detect light, provided below the non-contact sensor in the front part of the body; and a controller 40 which receives output signals of the non-contact sensor and the optical sensor. The controller controls a function of the stationary device based on the output signal of the non-contact sensor, and controls the brightness of the display based on the output signal of the optical sensor.