Wet-Condition Gesture Control via Proximity Sensor Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices are not always convenient for gesture-based operations when the user cannot touch them, as they require specific conditions to enable gesture-based input, limiting their usability in situations like being wet or in environments where touch input is not feasible.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with a proximity sensor, a touch sensor, and a controller that turns on the proximity sensor and enables gesture detection when it determines the device is wet, allowing for touchless gesture-based input operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the device uses traditional touch sensor input, then the operation is simple and direct, but the device cannot be operated when wet or when direct contact is not feasible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch input simplicityVSAvoidusability in wet environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between touch sensor mode and proximity sensor mode based on environmental conditions. When the device detects it is wet, it automatically transitions from requiring direct touch contact to accepting gestures in the proximity zone, making the input method adaptable to wet conditions while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the input system by switching from contact-based touch detection to non-contact proximity detection. This parameter change allows the device to operate in wet environments where touch contact is not feasible, while the transition is automatic and seamless to the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the proximity sensor is always on to enable gesture detection, then gesture-based operations are always available, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegesture detection availabilityVSAvoidsensor energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous operation, the proximity sensor is activated periodically or on-demand based on specific conditions (when the device detects it is wet). This periodic activation maintains gesture detection availability when needed while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own touch sensor data to automatically determine when to activate the proximity sensor, creating a self-service mechanism that optimizes energy usage. The device monitors its own wetness condition and autonomously switches sensor modes without requiring external intervention or continuous high-energy operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enhances convenience by allowing users to perform gesture-based operations without direct contact, even when the device is wet or in environments where traditional touch input is not practical, improving usability in various scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

a touch sensor... when it is judged that the electronic device is wet on the basis of an output of the touch sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10698541B2Electronic device, recording medium, and control method

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

An electronic device includes a proximity sensor, a touch sensor, and a controller that turns the proximity sensor on when it is judged that the electronic device is wet on the basis of an output of the touch sensor.