Multi-Sensor Stowed State Verification for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with touch-sensitive displays and voice recognition systems face challenges in functioning properly in various environments and conditions, particularly when proximity sensors malfunction or are obstructed, leading to false stowed state detections and disabled gesture control.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that uses multiple sensors, including touch sensors and imagers, to verify the state of an electronic device, ensuring that control operations are only performed when the device is not stowed, thereby overcoming the limitations of single proximity sensor failures and environmental obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single proximity sensor is used to detect stowed state, then the device structure is simple, but the detection reliability deteriorates when the sensor malfunctions or is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (proximity sensor, touch sensor, and imager) into a unified sensor system that works together to detect device state. The processor integrates data from all sensors to make a comprehensive determination of whether the device is in a stowed state, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through systematic integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple sensors that can serve multiple functions: the proximity sensor detects near objects, the touch sensor detects contact, and the imager captures visual information. This multi-functionality allows the system to reliably determine device state through multiple independent detection mechanisms, preventing false positives from single sensor failures.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to verify device state, then the detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into distinct sensor components (proximity sensor, touch sensor, imager), each responsible for a specific aspect of device state detection. This segmentation allows for modular design where each sensor can be optimized independently while the processor coordinates their combined output, managing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the processor continuously monitors sensor outputs and adjusts its determination of device state based on corroborating or conflicting signals. The cross-verification process creates a feedback loop that enhances reliability by requiring multiple sensors to agree on the device state before triggering control operations.
3Ease of operation
If gesture control is enabled in all conditions, then the ease of operation is improved, but false operations occur when the device is actually stowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary verification of device state before enabling gesture control operations. The processor checks multiple sensor inputs to confirm the device is not in a stowed state before allowing gesture-based control, preventing false operations while maintaining ease of use when conditions are appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary between the gesture input and the control operation execution. It mediates by verifying device state through multiple sensors before permitting the control operation to proceed, ensuring that gestures are only recognized when the device is actually in a usable state rather than stowed.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes one or more processors. When a first sensor delivers a first signal to the one or more processors indicating that the electronic device is in a stowed state, and a second sensor delivers a second signal to the one or more processors indicating that the electronic device is in a held state the one or more processors query the third sensor for a third signal indicating whether the electronic device is in the stowed state. The one or more processors perform a control operation when the third signal fails to indicate the electronic device is in the stowed state. The one or more processors omit performance of the control operation when the third signal indicates the electronic device is in the stowed state.