Touchless Sensor Channels for Reliable Multi-Function Gesture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touchless sensors are not reliable and can be inadvertently activated, and they typically only perform a single function.
Innovation Solution
A touchless sensor system with protuberances and sensing devices, such as infrared emitters and receivers, and cameras, that detect actions in multiple channels to control various operational functions of components like locks, lights, and toilets, reducing accidental triggering and allowing multiple commands through swipe patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touchless sensor is used to enable contactless operation, then hygiene is improved and ease of operation is enhanced, but reliability deteriorates due to inadvertent triggering and unreliable activation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple independent sensing zones (first sensing zone, second sensing zone, third sensing zone) arranged in a triangular pattern. Each zone can detect objects independently, and the system requires specific patterns of activation across multiple zones to trigger operations, thereby reducing inadvertent triggering while maintaining touchless operation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically evaluates the temporal and spatial patterns of object detection across multiple sensing zones. By analyzing the sequence, duration, and spatial distribution of detections, the system can distinguish between intentional user gestures and inadvertent triggers, improving reliable activation without compromising ease of contactless operation
2Ease of manufacture
If a touchless sensor is designed with simple structure, then ease of manufacture is improved and device complexity is reduced, but functionality deteriorates to single-function operation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system uses a universal triangular arrangement of three sensing devices that can detect multiple types of objects (fingers, hands, palms) and multiple gesture patterns (swipes, circles, taps). This single sensor configuration supports multiple operational functions including opening/closing, locking/unlocking, and various mode selections, achieving multi-functionality without complex specialized sensors for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the dimension of spatial pattern recognition by arranging sensors in a triangular configuration rather than a linear or single-point arrangement. This geometric dimension enables the system to distinguish between different gesture types (e.g., circular motion vs. linear swipe) and different body parts, thereby achieving multi-functionality from a relatively simple sensor structure
3Reliability
If sensing devices are positioned on protuberances to define channels, then inadvertent triggering is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple protuberances (first, second, third protuberances) that define separate channels for each sensing device. This segmentation creates physical boundaries that guide object movement through specific paths, ensuring that objects must follow defined trajectories to trigger sensors, thereby reducing inadvertent triggering while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
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 system provides a reliable and multi-functional touchless operation that minimizes accidental activation and allows for the control of multiple functions, enhancing user interaction and hygiene by eliminating surface contact.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing devices can include an infrared emitter and an infrared receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system is configured to control one or more operational functions of one or more components. The sensor system includes one or more protuberances, a first channel defined by the one or more protuberances, a second channel defined by the one or more protuberances, and one or more sensing devices configured to detect one or more actions of an object in relation to one or more of the one or more protuberances, the first channel, or the second channel. The one or more actions of the object are associated with the one or more operational functions of the one or more components.