Time-of-Flight User Intent Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interfaces in electronic devices are often cumbersome and difficult to use, requiring users to memorize predefined keywords or commands, and struggle to accurately identify and customize interactions based on individual preferences, leading to inefficiencies and poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device that uses time-of-flight measurements to determine the range and intent of an object, selectively performing actions such as transitioning power states or adapting user interfaces based on proximity and intent, without requiring explicit user commands, by transmitting and receiving wireless signals and modifying threshold values based on environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If predefined keywords or commands are used in voice user interfaces, then the device can be activated and controlled, but users need to memorize these keywords which increases the time required to become proficient and makes the interface less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-identification of the user through automated facial recognition and intent determination, eliminating the need for users to manually select profiles or issue wake commands. The device autonomously detects user presence, identifies the individual, determines their intent based on proximity and behavior, and activates appropriate functions without requiring user memorization or explicit commands.
2Speed
If the device transitions to higher power states to be ready for user interaction, then responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power states based on real-time detection of user presence and intent. The device remains in a low-power state when no user is present or when presence is detected but intent is not determined. When intent is confirmed through multiple detection criteria (proximity, facial recognition, behavior patterns), the system transitions to higher power states to execute the intended function, optimizing the balance between responsiveness and power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device accurately identifies users and customizes interfaces, then user experience is improved, but the complexity of detecting and measuring user characteristics increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a multi-functional detection approach where a single RF transceiver system performs multiple functions: detecting user presence through proximity measurement, identifying users through facial recognition, and determining intent through behavior analysis. This universal detection system consolidates what would otherwise require separate specialized sensors and processing systems, reducing overall complexity while enabling comprehensive user customization.
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
This approach enables dynamic and intuitive responses to user presence and intent, enhancing user experience by reducing the need for explicit interactions and improving customer satisfaction through adaptive functionality.
Implementation Method 1
receive a wireless-return signal associated with an object, which can indicate a time-of-flight of the wireless signal between the electronic device and the object. Moreover, the electronic device may determine a range between the electronic device and the object based at least in part on the wireless-return signal
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device that selectively performs a predefined action is described. The predefined action can be any action performed by the electronic device, such as changing the power state of the electronic device or a component, change the state of a display, initiating a process, ending a process, etc. During operation, the electronic device may transmit a wireless signal. Then, the electronic device may receive a wireless-return signal associated with an object, which can indicate a time-of-flight of the wireless signal between the electronic device and the object. Moreover, the electronic device may determine a range between the electronic device and the object based at least in part on the wireless-return signal. When the range between the electronic device and the object is less than a threshold value, the electronic device may determine: whether the range between the electronic device and the object is varying and/or whether to perform the predefined action.