Heterogeneous Ultrasonic Transducers for Flooded Device Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic transducers in electronic devices can incorrectly recognize objects, such as a human body, in flooding situations, and lack a specific function to handle water contact with the touch screen display, leading to potential damage and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of heterogeneous ultrasonic transducers, including both contact and non-contact types, to accurately recognize the proximity and characteristics of objects, allowing for the detection of flooding situations and enabling input functions even when the device is submerged in water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single type of ultrasonic transducer is used for proximity detection, then the device structure is simple, but the object recognition accuracy is poor in flooding situations
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducer is divided into two distinct types: a contact-type ultrasonic transducer for detecting objects in direct contact with the display surface, and a non-contact-type ultrasonic transducer for detecting objects in proximity without contact. This segmentation allows each transducer type to be optimized for its specific detection scenario, improving overall recognition accuracy while maintaining clear functional boundaries
Solution Approach 2:
The display surface acts as an intermediary medium between the two transducer types. The contact-type transducer detects ultrasonic waves transmitted through the display surface from contacting objects, while the non-contact-type transducer detects reflected ultrasonic waves from objects near the display surface. This intermediary structure enables both detection modes to coexist and provide complementary information
2Reliability
If conventional ultrasonic transducers are used in flooding situations, then the device structure is simple, but the device reliability is poor due to incorrect object recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between contact-type and non-contact-type ultrasonic transducers based on the detection scenario. When an object is detected contacting the display surface, the contact-type transducer is activated for accurate detection. When no contact is detected, the non-contact-type transducer is used for proximity detection. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable operation in varying conditions including flooding situations
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selecting different transducer types based on environmental conditions. In flooding situations, the contact-type transducer is preferentially used as it can distinguish water contact from object contact through ultrasonic wave transmission characteristics. This parameter change (transducer type selection) maintains reliable operation despite environmental variations
3Adaptability or versatility
If only non-contact ultrasonic detection is used, then the input function cannot be performed in flooding situations, but the device structure remains simple
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic input device achieves multi-functionality by integrating both contact-type and non-contact-type transducers. The non-contact-type transducer enables proximity-based input gestures in normal conditions, while the contact-type transducer enables input functions when objects (including fingers) contact the display surface, even in flooding situations. This universal design allows the device to perform input functions across diverse environmental conditions
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 solution enables accurate recognition of flooding situations and allows electronic devices to perform input functions safely, protecting internal components and maintaining functionality during water exposure.
Implementation Method 1
receive reflected waves reflected from at least one object through the at least one ultrasonic sensor
Implementation Method 2
determine a proximity between the electronic device and the object based on at least a difference between a first time, at which the ultrasonic waves are emitted, and a second time, at which the reflected waves are received
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing, at least one ultrasonic wave generator and at least one ultrasonic sensor operatively disposed on the housing, and a processor electrically connected to the at least one ultrasonic wave generator and the at least one ultrasonic sensor and configured to emit ultrasonic waves from at least one surface of the housing using the at least one ultrasonic wave generator, receive reflected waves reflected from at least one object through the at least one ultrasonic sensor, and determine a proximity between the electronic device and the object based on at least a difference between a first time, at which the ultrasonic waves are emitted, and a second time, at which the reflected waves are received.