User Terminal Distance Detection for Display Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing user terminal devices lack intuitive and convenient control over display devices, especially in varying user locations and conditions, limiting interactive experiences and multitasking capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A user terminal device that detects distance to a display device using sensors like BLE and activates touch and proximity inputters within a predetermined threshold, allowing for intuitive control through touch and gesture recognition, while deactivating inputs when outside the range to conserve power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If touch and proximity inputters are continuously activated for intuitive control, then ease of operation is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintuitive controlVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the inputter activation state changeable based on real-time distance detection. The touch and proximity inputters are dynamically activated when the user terminal device is within the predetermined distance from the display device, and deactivated when outside this distance, allowing the system to adapt its operational state to current usage conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through continuous distance detection between the user terminal device and display device. This distance information feeds back to the controller, which automatically adjusts the activation state of inputters accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to changing spatial relationships

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple inputters are activated for enhanced interaction, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteractive capabilitiesVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling the user terminal device to perform multiple input functions through a single integrated system. The device can operate in different modes (touch input mode and proximity input mode) depending on distance, allowing one device to serve multiple interactive purposes without requiring separate control mechanisms for each mode

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

3Ease of operation

If distance-based control activation is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic inputter activationVSAvoiddistance detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct functional zones based on distance thresholds. The space around the display device is divided into an active zone (within predetermined distance) where inputters are activated, and an inactive zone (beyond predetermined distance) where inputters are deactivated, allowing different operational characteristics in different spatial regions

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

Enables users to control display devices more intuitively and efficiently, maintaining interactive capabilities regardless of location, with adaptive power management to conserve energy when not in use.

Implementation Method 1

a detector configured to detect a distance between the user terminal device and the display device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3016397B1User terminal device and method for control thereof
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3016397B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3016397B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3016397B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A user terminal device (100) may include a communicator (110) configured to communicate with a display device (200), a detector (120) configured to detect a distance between the user terminal device and the display device, a plurality of inputters (130) configured to receive input of a user command, and a controller (140). The controller is configured to activate at least one of the plurality of inputters in response to a detection that the user terminal is within a predetermined distance with respect to the display device. The user terminal device may control an operation of the display device according to the distance between the user terminal device and the display device.