Wireless Device Hand Detection via Vibration Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless devices cannot effectively determine if they are being held by a user, which limits their ability to adjust operations based on their physical surroundings.
Innovation Solution
The method involves activating a vibration motor in the device to vibrate for a predetermined period, receiving acceleration measurements from an accelerometer, and comparing these to stored patterns to determine if the device is being held, allowing adjustments to features such as ring tone, display screen timeout, and illumination intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless devices use basic sensors without active vibration, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect holding state and adapt operations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by activating a vibration motor to generate controlled vibrations that interact with the device and user hand. The accelerometer measures these vibrations to detect holding state, enabling adaptive operations while using simple, integrated components rather than complex external sensing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-diagnosis by using its own vibration motor and accelerometer to detect its holding state. The system generates its own test signal (vibration) and measures the response, eliminating the need for separate external testing equipment or complex sensor arrays.
2Measurement precision
If the device activates vibration motor and accelerometer continuously, then detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by activating the vibration motor and accelerometer only during specific detection periods rather than continuously. The system performs detection at appropriate moments (e.g., when holding state may have changed) and remains inactive otherwise, maintaining detection accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption.
3Reliability
If the device uses stored acceleration patterns for comparison, then detection reliability is improved, but memory requirements and data storage complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by storing reference acceleration patterns in memory that represent known holding states. The current acceleration measurements are copied and compared against these stored patterns to determine holding state, providing reliable detection while using minimal storage space for essential reference data.
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 wireless devices to determine if they are being held, allowing for adaptive operation adjustments, such as changing display settings or vibration responses based on the device's environment.
Implementation Method 1
activating a vibration motor in the wireless device to vibrate the wireless device for a predetermined period
Implementation Method 2
receiving at least one acceleration measurement from an accelerometer in the wireless device during the predetermined period
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining whether a wireless device is being held comprising: activating a vibration motor in the wireless device to vibrate the wireless device for a predetermined period; receiving at least one acceleration measurement from an accelerometer in the wireless device during the predetermined period; and comparing the at least one acceleration measurement to at least one stored acceleration measurement, the at least one stored acceleration measurement corresponding to a held wireless device.