Touchless Machine Controller Using Discrete Proximity Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine controllers require physical contact, which can be inconvenient and poses risks of contamination and contact-related hazards such as electric shock and burns. Additionally, existing touchless control technologies using motion sensors are complex, impractical, and expensive for devices that do not require complex inputs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-purpose touchless machine controller using motion detection with a plurality of discrete proximity sensors and a control unit having an Input Transforming Processor (ITP). The controller analyzes output signals from proximity sensors to determine the intended operation, canceling accidental activations and providing operation output to the device to execute the intended operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional physical contact controllers (joystick, buttons) are used, then the device can be controlled effectively, but the user is exposed to contamination risks and contact-related hazards such as electric shock and burns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based control (joystick, buttons) with a motion detection system using proximity sensors. The controller detects hand motion and position without physical contact, substituting mechanical interaction with optical/electromagnetic field-based detection. This eliminates direct contact between the user and the controller surface, thereby eliminating contamination and contact hazard risks while maintaining effective device control.
2Reliability
If touchless control technologies using motion sensors are implemented, then contact-related risks are eliminated, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control function into multiple discrete proximity sensors positioned at specific locations corresponding to different control inputs (e.g., left, right, up, down directions and action button). Each sensor independently detects motion in its specific zone, and the controller processes these segmented sensor signals to determine the intended operation. This segmentation approach simplifies the overall system by using multiple simple, inexpensive sensors rather than one complex motion detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-purpose touchless controller that can control various devices (amusement machines, vending machines, industrial machines, mobility systems, medical devices) using the same proximity sensor-based technology. The controller is configured with multiple sensors that can be adapted to different control schemes, making it a universal solution that eliminates the need for device-specific complex control systems.
3Measurement precision
If multiple proximity sensors are used for touchless control, then the controller can detect intended operations accurately, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple proximity sensors and the control unit into a compact, nested arrangement where the sensors are positioned on or near the controller housing, and the control unit processes signals from all sensors in a centralized manner. This nesting approach allows multiple sensors to be arranged in a space-efficient configuration, minimizing the overall controller footprint while maintaining the ability to detect operations in multiple directions and functions.
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
The solution provides a safe, effective, and cost-effective touchless control method that eliminates the need for physical contact, reduces the risk of contamination and contact-related hazards, and improves accessibility for handicapped individuals, while being compact and similar in size to conventional controls.
Implementation Method 1
a first proximity sensor (204) associated with an action-related operation, while the other proximity sensors (206, 208, 210, 212) are associated with movement-related operations of the device
Data Source
AI summary
An example system may include a controller having a processor and memory, wherein the processor is configured to: receive output data from at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors; analyze the output data to determine an operation of the device corresponding to the output data; generate an operation output data based on the operation of the device; and provide the operation output data to the device to cause the device to execute the operation.