Smart Terminal Input Using Infrared Ultrasonic Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic wave based input action identification in smart terminal devices is inefficient due to incorrect identification of input information when a target object enters the sensing region without user intent, leading to poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating at least two ultrasonic sensors and two infrared sensors to determine the location of a cursor on the display panel and control input operations, with the infrared sensors detecting the target object's presence on specific planes to differentiate between intended and unintended input actions, thereby improving the accuracy of ultrasonic wave based input action identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If ultrasonic sensors are used to detect target object in sensing region, then input action identification can be performed, but incorrect identification occurs when target object enters sensing region without user intent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces infrared sensors as intermediary detection devices that work together with ultrasonic sensors. The infrared sensors detect whether the target object is on the first plane (border of first space range), serving as a mediator to verify genuine user intent before the ultrasonic sensors trigger input identification. This intermediary verification mechanism prevents false activations while maintaining automated input identification.
2Measurement precision
If the sensing region is enlarged to improve detection capability, then more input actions can be detected, but false detections increase when target object moves in the region without input intention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing region into multiple hierarchical levels: the first space range (larger region detected by infrared sensors) and the second space range (smaller region detected by ultrasonic sensors). This segmentation allows the system to first verify target presence in the larger region using infrared sensors, then perform precise input identification only when the target enters the smaller region, thereby maintaining detection capability while reducing false detections.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are added to improve detection accuracy, then input identification reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sensor system where infrared sensors and ultrasonic sensors work in a coordinated, multi-functional manner. The infrared sensors serve dual purposes: detecting target presence on the first plane and verifying user intent. The ultrasonic sensors similarly serve multiple functions: measuring distances to calculate cursor location and detecting target movement for input identification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized sensors, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 the accuracy of ultrasonic wave based input action identification by ensuring that only intended input actions are recognized, thereby improving user experience by reducing incorrect inputs and enhancing the precision of cursor control and confirmation operations.
Implementation Method 1
any one of the at least two ultrasonic sensors may measure a distance between a target object and the ultrasonic sensor
Implementation Method 2
the first infrared sensor may continuously detect whether the target object exists on a first plane
Data Source
AI summary
An input method and a smart terminal device. After a processor in the smart terminal device determines, based on a first detection solution of a first infrared sensor, that a target object enters or leaves a first space range from a first plane, the processor starts or stops displaying a cursor based on distances measured by ultrasonic sensors; and after the processor determines, based on a second detection result of a second infrared sensor, that the target object enters or leaves a second space range from a second plane, the processor starts or stops performing a confirmation operation based on a location of the cursor.