Touch Device Gesture Unlock via Optical Reflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional touch devices require hardware switches to turn off the touch function, which increases hardware costs and complicates configuration, especially for large-scale screens, affecting user experience.

Innovation Solution

A touch device with at least two image capturing units and a processing unit that detects specific gestures when in touch-lock mode, allowing users to unlock the touch function by performing a specific gesture, thereby enabling convenient on/off switching without additional hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hardware switch is used to turn off the touch function, then the touch function can be disabled, but the hardware cost increases and the device configuration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch function switchingVSAvoidhardware configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hardware switch with an optical detection system using image capturing units. The system detects gestures through optical signals reflected from the touch screen surface, eliminating the need for physical switches while maintaining the ability to control touch function activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces image capturing units as an intermediary between the user and the touch function control. These units capture optical signals and convert them into gesture information, serving as a mediator that enables touch control without direct physical contact with the screen during locked mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a hardware switch is used to turn off the touch function, then the touch function can be disabled, but the hardware cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch function switchingVSAvoidhardware cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the image capturing units serve multiple functions: they are used for both gesture recognition and touch function control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated hardware switches, reducing overall hardware costs while maintaining operational capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes mechanical hardware switches with an optical-based gesture recognition system, eliminating the need for additional physical components and reducing hardware manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to control touch functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If gesture detection is disabled in touch-lock mode, then the touch function is secured, but the user cannot unlock the device conveniently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch-lock securityVSAvoidunlocking operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic gesture detection that adapts to different operational modes. In touch-lock mode, the system dynamically adjusts its response to gestures, requiring specific gesture patterns for unlocking while maintaining security. The system transitions between locked and unlocked states based on detected gesture characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system analyzes detected gestures and provides appropriate responses. When a valid unlocking gesture is detected in locked mode, the system provides feedback by transitioning to the unlocked state, enabling touch functionality. This feedback loop ensures secure operation while maintaining user convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 turn the touch function on/off through gesture operations, improving convenience and reducing hardware costs by eliminating the need for physical switches, while maintaining gesture detection even in touch-lock mode.

Implementation Method 1

the image capturing units emit a detecting signal along the touch plane, and detect a reflected signal reflected from the detecting signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9727233B2Touch device and control method and method for determining unlocking thereof

Publication Date: 2017.08.08 WISTRON CORP

AI summary

A touch device and a control method and a method for determining unlocking thereof are provided. The touch device includes image capturing units configured nearby a touch surface respectively, and light-reflected objects are configured around the touch surface. In this method, the image capturing units are used to detect a reflected signal to receive a first gesture on the touch surface when the touch device is operated in a touch-lock mode. The image capturing units emit a detecting signal along the touch plane and detect the reflected signal reflected from the detecting signal. It is determined whether the first gesture matches a first specific gesture. When the first gesture matches the first specific gesture, the touch device is operated in a touch-on mode. Touch information is provided when the touch device is operated in the touch-on mode but not provided when the touch device is operated in the touch-lock mode.