The present invention relates to a keyboard control system and method for operation. The system includes at least two ultrasound transducers positioned at a distance from each other in the keyboard, at least one of which being adapted to transmit ultrasound signals and at least one being adapted to receive ultrasound signals, and provide a measure of the distance to a reflecting object relative to the transducers. The system is configured to, based on the measurements from the two transducers, calculate if the object is within a predetermined distance from the keyboard and in that case activate a predetermined functionality of the keyboard.
The present invention relates to a method and related system for connecting a primary device to an external device, the primary device being configured to receive an acoustic signal within a predetermined frequency range and measure the location of the acoustic transmitter, the secondary device including an acoustic transmitter, the method including the steps of: a) the primary device detects the presence of an external secondary device; b) the primary device is requests the secondary device to transmit an acoustic signal c) the secondary device transmits a predetermined acoustic signal; d) the primary device receives the acoustic signal; e) The primary device calculating the position of the secondary device based on the received acoustic signal;
G01S 5/18 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves
The present invention relates to an electronic device including an acoustic transducer for transmitting an acoustic signal at a predetermined frequency toward a second electronic device. The device including an inertia measuring unit configured to measure change in direction and movement of the device relative to the second device. The device also has a calculation unit configured to calculate the Doppler shift resulting from the movement and adjusting the transmitted and/or received frequency according to the calculated Doppler shift.
The present invention relates to a method for providing a distance measurement between a first and a second electronic devices and related system and devices here devices being connected to and being configured to communicate using wireless communication means. The method includes the steps of:—detecting a movement of the second device,—from the second device transmitting a request signal to the first device,—at the first device, receiving said request signal and generating a response signal using a first transducer,—receiving the response signal at the second device,—based on the response signal calculating the distance between the devices.
G01S 5/18 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves
A method for interaction between a first electronic device comprising a transducer of acoustic signals and a second electronic device, the method includes the steps of transmitting modulated information in an acoustic signal using the transducer within a known range of frequencies, in a sequence during a predetermined time window, monitoring the output signal from the sensor within said time window, assessing an impact of the acoustic signal from the sensor based on an identifiable pattern in the sensor output signal, and demodulating the information in the acoustic signal transmitted by the transducer. A system for interaction between a first electronic device and a second electronic device having a sensor having a mechanical resonance frequency with a frequency band, including a transducer of acoustic signals, a sensor, and an analysis unit.
The present invention relates to a aystem for synchronizing signal transmission between two devices communicating through acoustic signals The first device including an acoustic transmitter transmitting in a chosen time sequence and frequency range and the second including an acoustic receiver. The first device is configured to initialize the communication transmitting an initial signal representing the time sequence, the time sequence being constituted by signals including information packages being separated by time windows varying according to a predetermined rule. The second device includes an analyzing unit being configured to apply a filter on the receiver corresponding to the time sequence within the predetermined time window variation.
A method for detecting interference between a transducer of acoustic signals and a sensor having a mechanical resonance frequency with a frequency band that includes transmitting an acoustic signal within a known range of frequencies, in a sequence during a predetermined time window, monitoring the output signal from the sensor within said time window, comparing the transmitted signal with the sensor output signal and detecting deviations in the sensor output signal corresponding to frequencies in the acoustic signal, and determining the acoustic frequencies interfering with the sensor signal. A system for detecting interference including a transducer, configured to emit a sequence of acoustic signals, and a sensor configured to produce an output signal, an analysis unit adapted to monitor said output signal with the acoustic signal.
The present invention relates to a system for providing communication between two devices, as well as the devices in the system. The system includes a primary device comprising at least one acoustic transducer configured to receive an acoustic signal and an electromagnetic communication unit configured to receive and transmit electromagnetic signals The system also includes a secondary device comprising an acoustic source and an electromagnetic communication unit configured to receive and transmit electromagnetic signals. The primary device is configured to, at the receipt of an acoustic signal and an electromagnetic or other signals indicating a request to connect, to initiate an communication between the devices using electromagnetic and/or acoustic communication.
H04M 1/72412 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
The present invention relates to a system and methods for controlling or detecting direction of an acoustic signal (14, 15) with electronic device (5) including at least two acoustic transducers (1a, 1b) configured to generate or receive an ultrasound carrier signal being modulated by a measuring signal within a chosen frequency range, where the measuring signal has an acoustic wavelength being at least twice the distance between the transducers and based on the phase difference between the demodulated signals controlling or calculating the direction of the received signal.
G01S 3/808 - Systems for determining direction or deviation from predetermined direction using transducers spaced apart and measuring phase or time difference between signals therefrom, i.e. path-difference systems
G01S 15/34 - Systems for measuring distance only using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated using transmission of continuous, frequency-modulated waves while heterodyning the received signal, or a signal derived therefrom, with a locally-generated signal related to the contemporaneously transmitted signal
A method and device for assuring at least a signal is received undistorted, wherein the method and device including at least one first transducer for receiving acoustic signals in a predetermined frequency band and digitizing said acoustic signals at a predetermined sampling rate, at least one second transducer for transmitting acoustic signals in said predetermined frequency band corresponding to said predetermined sampling rate, an analyzing unit for comparing said transmitted acoustic signals with said received acoustic signals, wherein, the analyzing unit analyzes the quality of said received acoustic signals, detect at least one deviation between said transmitted acoustic signals and said received acoustic signals, and adjust said sampling rate and corresponding frequency band according to a set of predefined frequency bands and sampling rates.
The present invention relates to a device and method for detecting a cover over at least part of an electronic device. The device comprising at least one audio transducer adapted to transmit and receive an acoustic signal. The method includes the steps of: ⋅—defining at least one characteristic of an interrogation signal; ⋅—transmitting, using at least one of said transducers, the interrogation signal within a predetermined frequency range, having the at least one characteristic; ⋅—receiving, in at least one audio transducer, a signal, ⋅—analyzing the characteristics of the received signal and the characteristics of the transmitted signal and detecting a selected number of differences between them, ⋅—comparing the differences between the transmitted signal and the received signal with a predetermined set of differences related to an object covering at least one of the transducers in the device.
The present invention relates to an electronic device and corresponding method, where the electronic device includes at least two sensors. The at least two sensors are in communication with a virtual sensor including a processing unit adapted to monitor the use of the device based on input from said sensors. The at least two sensors include activity sensors sensing user activities related to the device, and the processing unit is configured to receive and analyze the input from said sensors during use and to provide and store a model representing said typical use of the device. The device further being configured to compare new measurements received from said sensors with said model, providing a signal if the new measurements from said sensors deviates by a predetermined limit from the measurements predicted by the model.
The present invention relates to a device and a method for presence detection in the vicinity of a device. The device including an acoustic receiver and corresponding analyzing unit for analyzing the received signals, and an acoustic transmitter, the transmitter and received being configured to operate within a predetermined acoustic frequency range. The method including the steps of receiving and analyzing acoustic signals from the environment within said frequency range and evaluating the periodicity and volume of the signals and identifying frequency ranges and/or time windows with low risk for interference, the transmitter being configured to transmit a presence detection signal within the identified frequency range and time windows, the receiver receiving reflections from the transmitted presence detection signals from which the analyzing unit indicates the possible presence of a user.
G01S 15/04 - Systems determining presence of a target
G01S 15/32 - Systems for measuring distance only using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated
G01S 15/34 - Systems for measuring distance only using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated using transmission of continuous, frequency-modulated waves while heterodyning the received signal, or a signal derived therefrom, with a locally-generated signal related to the contemporaneously transmitted signal
G01S 15/52 - Discriminating between fixed and moving objects or between objects moving at different speeds
G01S 15/88 - Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications
H05B 47/115 - Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters by determining the presence or movement of objects or living beings
The invention relates to a method and system for initiating a communication sequence between two devices, wherein both devices include corresponding communication units, and wherein at least one of the devices comprises at least one sensor for registering a short physical contact between the device and an object The sensor is connected to a processing unit and is configured to transmit a signal to the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to recognize a signature in the sensor signal being associated with a tapping of the device toward a surface, and the processor, at the detection of the signature, is configured to initiate the communication between the devices by transmitting a request.
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
The present invention relates to a method and an electronic device including at least two measuring units, wherein a first measuring unit is an active measuring unit emitting and receiving a signal related to a first chosen parameter in a sequence, said sequence having inactive periods, and wherein the second measuring unit comprises an essentially continuous measurement of a predetermined second parameter, the second measuring unit having a lower power consumption than the first measuring unit. The first parameter is related to a proximity measurement configured to measure the proximity of an object in the vicinity of the device and the second parameter being related to a measure of the activity of the device. The device including a processing unit coupled to said measurement units and being configured to register deviation in the second parameter and at a predetermined deviation alter the sequency of the first measurement.
The present invention relates to a presence detecting electronic device as well as a method for using the device. The device including at least one microphone configured to receive acoustic signals from the environment, and a processor connected to the microphone for analyzing the received signal. The device also includes means for directly detecting the transmitted signal from an acoustic source and comparing the directly transmitted signal with the received signal for identifying if an object or user in the vicinity of the device based on the comparison between the transmitted and the reflected signal.
The present invention relates to an electronic device, as well as related method and system. The electronic device including at least one acoustic transducer adapted to transmit and receive acoustic signals in in a known range, wherein the device includes a transmitter unit connected to said at least one transducer for generating an acoustic signal with at least one predetermined characteristic, and a receiving device for receiving a reflected acoustic signal from an object and being connected to an analyzing unit being adapted to calculate the distance to or movement of the reflecting object and the predetermined characteristics of the transmitted signals. The analyzing unit is adapted to, based on the measured distance or movement, adjust the characteristic of the generated acoustic signal.
The present invention relates to a system and electronic device for detecting and monitoring user presence in the vicinity of the devices in the system. The device including a processor configured to, based on received sensor inputs, to detect a user presence, providing an indication signal to a processing and communication unit indicating whether or not the user is present. The processing and communication unit being configured to communicate the indication signal to at least one other device in a communication network.
The present invention relates to an electronic device configured for detecting an object, for example a person in the vicinity of the device. The device includes at least one audio signal generator, the generated signals being transmitted through an output interface to a speaker transmitting said mixed signal. The device also including at least one microphone configured to receive signals reflected from said object, and a receiver module for receiving said signals from the microphone, the receiver module also being connected to the output interface for receiving a signal there from corresponding to the signal transmitted through the speaker.
The present invention relates to a keyboard control system and method for operation. The system includes at least two ultrasound transducers positioned at a distance from each other in the keyboard, at least one of which being adapted to transmit ultrasound signals and at least one being adapted to receive ultrasound signals, and provide a measure of the distance to a reflecting object relative to the transducers. The system is configured to, based on the measurements from the two transducers, calculate if the object is within a predetermined distance from the keyboard and in that case activate a predetermined functionality of the keyboard.
The present invention relates to a system for monitoring user presence relative to an electronic device, and related method and computer implemented software. The electronic device including at least one acoustic transducer being configured to operate within the ultrasonic range, the least one acoustic transducer being configured to detect a user presence within a predetermined range from the device, wherein the system is configured to turn the at least one transducer off for a predetermined first time period after the detection of a user, at the end of said first time period, activating the acoustic transducer for detecting the user presence.
The invention relates to a method and system for detection of an object in proximity to an electronic device, which method comprises the steps of:—producing, via the processing unit using one or more parameters relating to a loudspeaker, a controlled audio signal; —amplifying using an amplifier at least said controlled audio signal, thereby producing an amplified audio signal at an amplifier output; wherein an amplitude of the controlled audio signal is such that the amplified audio signal is less than or equal to an amplitude determined to be safe for the loudspeaker in view of the one or more parameters, —analyzing at least one of said one or more parameters relating to the loudspeaker to detect a change in response of the loudspeaker; the change in response being caused by an object that is present in the acoustical path of the loudspeaker, —determining, based upon the analysis whether the object is located in close proximity to the electronic device.
The present invention relates to a system for controlling access to an external device, including a first device and a second, external device, both including wireless communication units using a common communication protocol. One of said devices includes an acoustic transmitter being configured to transmit acoustic signals at least partially within the ultrasonic range, and the second of the devices includes an acoustic receiver configured to receive acoustic signals at least partially in the ultrasonic range. The transmitted ultrasonic signal has predetermined characteristics and said receiver being configured to recognize said characteristics and, at the receipt of said ultrasonic signal at the second device initiating a wireless communication using said communication protocol.
The present invention is related to a system and corresponding method and computer implemented software for improving performance of at least one electronic devices, said devices including at least one sensors and a model defining the device reaction in response to data produced by at least one of said sensors. The system includes a model generator configured to analyze the data produced from said sensors and the reactions to the data, and register errors in the reactions as compared with the intended reactions, wherein the model generator is configured to adjust the device model by minimizing errors between the actual output of the model and the desired output of the model, based on a set of samples recorded on said at least one electronic devices, wherein the recorded samples include information related to which of a number of predefined states the device is in at the occurrence of the error, the time of the occurred error, and the number of errors at the specified time and/or state.
The present invention relates to a method for providing a distance measurement between a first and a second electronic devices and related system and devices here devices being connected to and being configured to communicate using wireless communication means. The method includes the steps of: - detecting a movement of the second device, - from the second device transmitting a request signal to the first device, - at the first device, receiving said request signal and generating a response signal using a first transducer, - receiving the response signal at the second device, - based on the response signal calculating the distance between the devices.
The invention relates to a system for establishing wireless connection between a mobile first device and a second device, as well as a method and method for achieving the connection The devices being configured for wireless communication using a known communication protocol, the second device including an acoustic transmitter configured to transmit acoustic signals in the ultrasound range. The first device comprising at least two transducers of which at least one is an acoustic receiver configured to receive signals within said ultrasonic range. The first device is also configured to measure at least partially based on the acoustic signal received at said receiver and calculate the movement of the first device relative to the second device, and wherein the first device is configured to initiate the wireless communication when the movement of the first device is within determined limits relative to the direction toward the second device.
G01S 5/18 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves
27.
COMMUNICATION METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
The present invention relates to a method and corresponding system for establishing communication between two electronic devices. The method includes the steps of - transmitting from a first of said devices a first, acoustic signal in a predetermined frequency range for at least one predetermined time period, the acoustic signal including a recognizable code, the code including connecting information, - receiving at a second of said devices the acoustic signal and analyzing said code, where the analysis includes recognizing the at least one predetermined time period(s), - based on said code transmitting a second signal for establishing communication with the first device.
The present invention relates to a method and related system for connecting a primary device to an external device, the primary device being configured to receive an acoustic signal within a predetermined frequency range and measure the location of the acoustic transmitter, the secondary device including an acoustic transmitter, the method including the steps of: a) the primary device detects the presence of an external secondary device; b) the primary device is requests the secondary device to transmit an acoustic signal c) the secondary device transmits a predetermined acoustic signal; d) the primary device receives the acoustic signal; e) The primary device calculating the position of the secondary device based on the received acoustic signal;
G01S 5/18 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves
G01S 5/28 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves by co-ordinating position lines of different shape, e.g. hyperbolic, circular, elliptical or radial
The present invention relates to an electronic device including an acoustic transducer for transmitting an acoustic signal at a predetermined frequency toward a second electronic device. The device including an inertia measuring unit configured to measure change in direction and movement of the device relative to the second device. The device also has a calculation unit configured to calculate the Doppler shift resulting from the movement and adjusting the transmitted and/or received frequency according to the calculated Doppler shift.
The present invention relates to a proximity detection system and method for a computer or similar device. The computer includes at least two transducer units being capable of transmitting acoustic signals identifying the transducer within a predetermined frequency range. The transducer units are positioned at a distance from each other in said device, and at least one receiving transducer is capable of receiving acoustic signals within said frequency range and recognizing the transducer identification. The system is configured to measure the distance between each transducer unit and a reflecting object based on the transmitted and received signals based on the measured propagation time. The system is further configured to activate each of the transducer units and comparing the measured distance from each transducer unit thus calculating the direction of a reflecting object, and at the detecting of an object within a predetermined range of direction providing an activation signal to the device.
G01S 15/04 - Systems determining presence of a target
G01S 15/32 - Systems for measuring distance only using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated
A method and device for assuring at least a signal is received undistorted, wherein the method and device including at least one first transducer for receiving acoustic signals in a predetermined frequency band and digitizing said acoustic signals at a predetermined sampling rate, at least one second transducer for transmitting acoustic signals in said predetermined frequency band corresponding to said predetermined sampling rate, an analyzing unit for comparing said transmitted acoustic signals with said received acoustic signals, wherein, the analyzing unit analyzes the quality of said received acoustic signals, detect at least one deviation between said transmitted acoustic signals and said received acoustic signals, and adjust said sampling rate and corresponding frequency band according to a set of predefined frequency bands and sampling rates.
G01S 15/32 - Systems for measuring distance only using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated
G01S 15/88 - Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications
• 1. The present invention relates to a device and method for detecting a cover over at least part of an electronic device. The device comprising at least one audio transducer adapted to transmit and receive an acoustic signal. The method includes the steps of: • - defining at least one characteristic of an interrogation signal; • - transmitting, using at least one of said transducers, the interrogation signal within a predetermined frequency range, having the at least one characteristic; • - receiving, in at least one audio transducer, a signal, • - analyzing the characteristics of the received signal and the characteristics of the transmitted signal and detecting a selected number of differences between them, • - comparing the differences between the transmitted signal and the received signal with a predetermined set of differences related to an object covering at least one of the transducers in the device.
The present invention relates to a device and a method for presence detection in the vicinity of a device. The device including an acoustic receiver and corresponding analyzing unit for analyzing the received signals, and an acoustic transmitter, the transmitter and received being configured to operate within a predetermined acoustic frequency range. The method including the steps of receiving and analyzing acoustic signals from the environment within said frequency range and evaluating the periodicity and volume of the signals and identifying frequency ranges and/or time windows with low risk for interference, the transmitter being configured to transmit a presence detection signal within the identified frequency range and time windows, the receiver receiving reflections from the transmitted presence detection signals from which the analyzing unit indicates the possible presence of a user.
The present invention relates to an electronic device and corresponding method, where the electronic device includes at least two sensors. The at least two sensors are in communication with a virtual sensor including a processing unit adapted to monitor the use of the device based on input from said sensors. The at least two sensors include activity sensors sensing user activities related to the device, and the processing unit is configured to receive and analyze the input from said sensors during use and to provide and store a model representing said typical use of the device. The device further being configured to compare new measurements received from said sensors with said model, providing a signal if the new measurements from said sensors deviates by a predetermined limit from the measurements predicted by the model.
G01D 3/08 - Measuring arrangements with provision for the special purposes referred to in the subgroups of this group with provision for safeguarding the apparatus, e.g. against abnormal operation, against breakdown
G01S 15/00 - Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems
G01S 7/52 - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
The present invention relates to a system and electronic device for detecting and monitoring user presence in the vicinity of the devices in the system. The device including a processor configured to, based on received sensor inputs, to detect a user presence, providing an indication signal to a processing and communication unit indicating whether or not the user is present. The processing and communication unit being configured to communicate the indication signal to at least one other device in a communication network.
The present invention relates to an electronic device, as well as related method and system. The electronic device including at least one acoustic transducer adapted to transmit and receive acoustic signals in in a known range, wherein the device includes a transmitter unit connected to said at least one transducer for generating an acoustic signal with at least one predetermined characteristic, and a receiving device for receiving a reflected acoustic signal from an object and being connected to an analyzing unit being adapted to calculate the distance to or movement of the reflecting object and the predetermined characteristics of the transmitted signals. The analyzing unit is adapted to, based on the measured distance or movement, adjust the characteristic of the generated acoustic signal.
H04M 1/72454 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions according to context-related or environment-related conditions
The present invention relates to an electronic device configured for detecting an object, for example a person in the vicinity of the device. The device includes at least one audio signal generator, the generated signals being transmitted through an output interface to a speaker transmitting said mixed signal. The device also including at least one microphone configured to receive signals reflected from said object, and a receiver module for receiving said signals from the microphone, the receiver module also being connected to the output interface for receiving a signal there from corresponding to the signal transmitted through the speaker.
The present invention relates to a presence detecting electronic device as well as a method for using the device. The device including at least one microphone configured to receive acoustic signals from the environment, and a processor connected to the microphone for analyzing the received signal. The device also includes means for directly detecting the transmitted signal from an acoustic source and comparing the directly transmitted signal with the received signal for identifying if an object or user in the vicinity of the device based on the comparison between the transmitted and the reflected signal.
G01S 15/04 - Systems determining presence of a target
G01S 3/808 - Systems for determining direction or deviation from predetermined direction using transducers spaced apart and measuring phase or time difference between signals therefrom, i.e. path-difference systems
G01S 15/00 - Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems
The present invention relates to a method and an electronic device including at least two measuring units, wherein a first measuring unit is an active measuring unit emitting and receiving a signal related to a first chosen parameter in a sequence, said sequence having inactive periods, and wherein the second measuring unit comprises an essentially continuous measurement of a predetermined second parameter, the second measuring unit having a lower power consumption than the first measuring unit. The first parameter is related to a proximity measurement configured to measure the proximity of an object in the vicinity of the device and the second parameter being related to a measure of the activity of the device. The device including a processing unit coupled to said measurement units and being configured to register deviation in the second parameter and at a predetermined deviation alter the sequency of the first measurement.
The present invention relates to a system for monitoring user presence relative to an electronic device, and related method and computer implemented software. The electronic device including at least one acoustic transducer being configured to operate within the ultrasonic range, the least one acoustic transducer being configured to detect a user presence within a predetermined range from the device, wherein the system is configured to turn the at least one transducer off for a predetermined first time period after the detection of a user, at the end of said first time period, activating the acoustic transducer for detecting the user presence.
H04M 1/72454 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions according to context-related or environment-related conditions
The present invention is related to a system and corresponding method and computer implemented software for improving performance of at least one electronic devices, said devices including at least one sensors and a model defining the device reaction in response to data produced by at least one of said sensors. The system includes a model generator configured to analyze the data produced from said sensors and the reactions to the data, and register errors in the reactions as compared with the intended reactions, wherein the model generator is configured to adjust the device model by minimizing errors between the actual output of the model and the desired output of the model, based on a set of samples recorded on said at least one electronic devices, wherein the recorded samples include information related to which of a number of predefined states the device is in at the occurrence of the error, the time of the occurred error, and the number of errors at the specified time and/or state.
The invention relates to a method and system for detection of an object in proximity to an electronic device, which method comprises the steps of: —producing, via the processing unit using one or more parameters relating to a loudspeaker, a controlled audio signal; —amplifying using an amplifier at least said controlled audio signal, thereby producing an amplified audio signal at an amplifier output; wherein an amplitude of the controlled audio signal is such that the amplified audio signal is less than or equal to an amplitude determined to be safe for the loudspeaker in view of the one or more parameters, —analyzing at least one of said one or more parameters relating to the loudspeaker to detect a change in response of the loudspeaker; the change in response being caused by an object that is present in the acoustical path of the loudspeaker, —determining, based upon the analysis whether the object is located in close proximity to the electronic device.
The present invention relates to a proximity detection system and method for a computer or similar device. The computer includes at least two transducer units being capable of transmitting acoustic signals identifying the transducer within a predetermined frequency range. The transducer units are positioned at a distance from each other in said device, and at least one receiving transducer is capable of receiving acoustic signals within said frequency range and recognizing the transducer identification. The system is configured to measure the distance between each transducer unit and a reflecting object based on the transmitted and received signals based on the measured propagation time. The system is further configured to activate each of the transducer units and comparing the measured distance from each transducer unit thus calculating the direction of a reflecting object, and at the detecting of an object within a predetermined range of directions providing an activation signal to the device.
The present invention relates to a system for controlling access to an external device, including a first device and a second, external device, both including wireless communication units using a common communication protocol. One of said devices includes an acoustic transmitter being configured to transmit acoustic signals at least partially within the ultrasonic range, and the second of the devices includes an acoustic receiver configured to receive acoustic signals at least partially in the ultrasonic range. The transmitted ultrasonic signal has predetermined characteristics and said receiver being configured to recognize said characteristics and, at the receipt of said ultrasonic signal at the second device initiating a wireless communication using said communication protocol.
The present teachings relate to a proximity detection system for an electronic device comprising a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter being arranged to transmit a signal, at least some portion of which is directed towards an object, and the receiver being arranged to receive a reflected signal, the reflected signal being a portion of the signal reflected from the object, wherein the system comprises a first processing unit configured to, load and execute an engine for controlling the transmission of the signal, and extracting one or more parameters related to the object from the reflected signal; wherein the system further comprises a second processing unit configured to receive sensor data from other sensors in the electronic device; and transmit the sensor data to the engine, wherein the engine is configured to generate a proximity event by analyzing at least one of the one or more parameters, and at least some of the sensor data. The present teachings also relate a proximity detection system comprising a third processing unit, an electronic device comprising the proximity detection system, a method for generating a proximity event on an electronic device, and computer software product for implementing any method steps disclosed herein.
G01S 15/42 - Simultaneous measurement of distance and other coordinates
G01S 15/04 - Systems determining presence of a target
G01S 7/539 - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group using analysis of echo signal for target characterisationTarget signatureTarget cross-section
The present teachings relate to an electronic device comprising: a first module for generating an audio signal; a second module for generating an ultrasonic signal; a mixer for generating a combined signal; a transmitter for outputting an acoustic signal dependent upon the combined signal; and, a processing means for controlling the ultrasonic signal; wherein, in response to receiving a first instruction signal for initiating the ultrasonic signal, the processing means is configured to increase the amount of the ultrasonic signal in the combined signal from an essentially zero value to a predetermined value over a predetermined enable time-period. The present teachings also relate to an electronic device configured to decrease the amount of the ultrasonic signal in the combined signal from an essentially zero value to a predetermined value over a predetermined disable time-period, and to an electronic device configured to remove the audio signal from the combined signal whilst preventing pop-noise, and to an electronic device capable of replacing the ultrasonic signal whilst minimizing the processing time. The present teachings further relate to a method for reducing the occurrence of pop noise in an acoustic signal associated with: initiating the ultrasonic signal in the combined signal, terminating the ultrasonic signal in the combined signal, terminating the audio signal in the combined signal, and replacing the ultrasonic signal in the combined signal. The present teachings also relate to a computer software product for implementing any of the method steps disclosed herein, and to a computer storage medium storing the computer software herein disclosed.
The present teachings relate to an electronic device comprising: a first module for generating an audio signal; a second module for generating an ultrasonic signal; a mixer for generating a combined signal; a transmitter for outputting an acoustic signal dependent upon the combined signal; and, a processing means for controlling the ultrasonic signal; wherein, in response to receiving a first instruction signal for initiating the ultrasonic signal, the processing means is configured to increase the amount of the ultrasonic signal in the combined signal from an essentially zero value to a predetermined value over a predetermined enable time-period. The present teachings also relate to an electronic device configured to decrease the amount of the ultrasonic signal in the combined signal from an essentially zero value to a predetermined value over a predetermined disable time-period, and to an electronic device configured to remove the audio signal from the combined signal whilst preventing pop-noise, and to an electronic device capable of replacing the ultrasonic signal whilst minimizing the processing time. The present teachings further relate to a method for reducing the occurrence of pop noise in an acoustic signal associated with: initiating the ultrasonic signal in the combined signal, terminating the ultrasonic signal in the combined signal, terminating the audio signal in the combined signal, and replacing the ultrasonic signal in the combined signal. The present teachings also relate to a computer software product for implementing any of the method steps disclosed herein, and to a computer storage medium storing the computer software herein disclosed.
Present teachings relate to a method for controlling a service running at least partially on an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of: —Determining, using a proximity sensor in the electronic device, a first parameter indicative of the physical distance between the electronic device and a user; and—Adapting at least one operation of the electronic device dependent upon the first parameter.
Present teachings relate to a method for proximity detection on an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of: performing a first measurement using a first sensor; calculating, using a processing unit, a first distance value from the first measurement; the first distance value being indicative of the distance between a user and the electronic device; in response to the first distance value, through the processing unit, adapting an energy level on the electronic device, said energy level being related to the Specific Absorption Rate (“SAR”), such that predefined SAR requirements due to exposure of emitted energy from the electronic device are met. The present teaching further relate to an electronic device comprising a measurement system configured to control an energy level on the electronic device, said energy level being related to the Specific Absorption Rate (“SAR”). The present teachings also relate to a computer software product for implementing any method steps disclosed herein.
The invention relates to a method and system for detection of an object in proximity to an electronic device, which method comprises the steps of: - producing, via the processing unit using one or more parameters relating to a loudspeaker, a controlled audio signal; - amplifying using an amplifier at least said controlled audio signal, thereby producing an amplified audio signal at an amplifier output; wherein an amplitude of the controlled audio signal is such that the amplified audio signal is less than or equal to an amplitude determined to be safe for the loudspeaker in view of the one or more parameters, - analyzing at least one of said one or more parameters relating to the loudspeaker to detect a change in response of the loudspeaker; the change in response being caused by an object that is present in the acoustical path of the loudspeaker, - determining, based upon the analysis whether the object is located in close proximity to the electronic device.
The present teachings relate to a proximity detection system for an electronic device comprising a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter being arranged to transmit a signal, at least some portion of which is directed towards an object, and the receiver being arranged to receive a reflected signal, the reflected signal being a portion of the signal reflected from the object, wherein the system comprises a first processing unit configured to, load and execute an engine for controlling the transmission of the signal, and extracting one or more parameters related to the object from the reflected signal; wherein the system further comprises a second processing unit configured to receive sensor data from other sensors in the electronic device; and transmit the sensor data to the engine, wherein the engine is configured to generate a proximity event by analyzing at least one of the one or more parameters, and at least some of the sensor data. The present teachings also relate a proximity detection system comprising a third processing unit, an electronic device comprising the proximity detection system, a method for generating a proximity event on an electronic device, and computer software product for implementing any method steps disclosed herein.
An electronic device comprises a speaker protection module (36) arranged to receive an audio signal (22) and to use one or more parameters relating to a loudspeaker to produce a controlled audio signal (34). An amplifier (40) is arranged to amplify the controlled audio signal to produce an amplified audio signal (24, 26) which is passed to the loudspeaker. The amplitude of the controlled audio signal (34) is such that the amplified audio signal (24, 26) is less than or equal to an amplitude determined to be safe for the loudspeaker in view of the one or more parameters. An ultrasound generator (16) is arranged to generate an ultrasound signal (30) that is mixed (32) with the controlled audio signal (34) before the controlled audio signal (34) is passed to the amplifier (40). The ultrasound generator (16) is capable of producing said ultrasound signal at a plurality of frequencies.
The present teachings relate to an electronic device comprising: a first module for generating an audio signal; a second module for generating an ultrasonic signal; a mixer for generating a combined signal; a transmitter for outputting an acoustic signal dependent upon the combined signal; and, a processing means for controlling the ultrasonic signal; wherein, in response to receiving a first instruction signal for initiating the ultrasonic signal, the processing means is configured to increase the amount of the ultrasonic signal in the combined signal from an essentially zero value to a predetermined value over a predetermined enable time-period. The present teachings also relate to an electronic device configured to decrease the amount of the ultrasonic signal in the combined signal from an essentially zero value to a predetermined value over a predetermined disable time-period, and to an electronic device configured to remove the audio signal from the combined signal whilst preventing pop-noise, and to an electronic device capable of replacing the ultrasonic signal whilst minimizing the processing time. The present teachings further relate to a method for reducing the occurrence of pop noise in an acoustic signal associated with: initiating the ultrasonic signal in the combined signal, terminating the ultrasonic signal in the combined signal, terminating the audio signal in the combined signal, and replacing the ultrasonic signal in the combined signal. The present teachings also relate to a computer software product for implementing any of the method steps disclosed herein, and to a computer storage medium storing the computer software herein disclosed.
G01S 1/72 - Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmittersReceivers co-operating therewith using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves
G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
G06F 3/043 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using propagating acoustic waves
G10K 11/16 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
G10K 11/36 - Devices for manipulating acoustic surface waves
Present teachings relate to a method for initiating an authentication process on an electronic device, the method comprising transmitting an ultrasound signal from an ultrasound transmitter, generating a measured signal by receiving at an ultrasound receiver an echo of the ultrasound signal being reflected by an object, analyzing the echo by processing the measured signal, and initiating the authentication process on the electronic device based on the processing of the measured signal. The present teachings also relate to a method for maintaining an authenticated state of an object. The present teachings also relate to an electronic device comprising an ultrasound system for initiating an authenticating process. The present teaching also relate to an electronic device comprising an ultrasound system for retaining an authenticated state of an object. The present teachings also relate to a computer software product for implementing any method steps disclosed herein.
Present teachings relate to a method for determining the proximity of an object to an electronic device, the electronic device comprising an ultrasonic sensor and a second sensor, which ultrasonic sensor comprising at least one ultrasonic transmitter and at least one ultrasonic receiver, which method comprising the steps of:
transmitting from the ultrasonic transmitter an ultrasonic signal;
receiving at the ultrasonic receiver an ultrasonic response signal;
determining an ultrasonic response by processing the ultrasonic response signal using a processor;
determining a sensor response by processing a second signal using a processor, said second signal being generated by the second sensor;
configuring via the processor a power level of a second ultrasonic signal transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitter in response to the ultrasonic response meeting a first criterion, and the sensor response meeting a second criterion.
Present teachings relate to a method for determining the proximity of an object to an electronic device, the electronic device comprising an ultrasonic sensor and a second sensor, which ultrasonic sensor comprising at least one ultrasonic transmitter and at least one ultrasonic receiver, which method comprising the steps of:
transmitting from the ultrasonic transmitter an ultrasonic signal;
receiving at the ultrasonic receiver an ultrasonic response signal;
determining an ultrasonic response by processing the ultrasonic response signal using a processor;
determining a sensor response by processing a second signal using a processor, said second signal being generated by the second sensor;
configuring via the processor a power level of a second ultrasonic signal transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitter in response to the ultrasonic response meeting a first criterion, and the sensor response meeting a second criterion.
The present teachings further relate to an electronic device configured to execute the method steps and to a computer software product.
Present teachings relate to a method for proximity detection on an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of: performing a first measurement using a first sensor; calculating, using a processing unit, a first distance value from the first measurement; the first distance value being indicative of the distance between a user and the electronic device; in response to the first distance value, through the processing unit, adapting an energy level on the electronic device, said energy level being related to the Specific Absorption Rate ("SAR"), such that predefined SAR requirements due to exposure of emitted energy from the electronic device are met. The present teaching further relate to an electronic device comprising a measurement system configured to control an energy level on the electronic device, said energy level being related to the Specific Absorption Rate ("SAR"). The present teachings also relate to a computer software product for implementing any method steps disclosed herein.
Present teachings relate to a method for controlling an electronic device comprising a touch-sensitive surface and a proximity sensor, comprising the steps of: - Changing the device from a screen-on state to a near state in response to a near event being detected by the proximity sensor and the near event occurs when an input object is determined to be in proximity of the electronic device by the proximity sensor; - While the device is in the near state, processing a first category touch event, and in response to the processing of the first category touch event, performing at least one function on the electronic device; - While the device is in the near state, ignoring a second category touch event, wherein the second category touch event is distinct from the first category touch event.
Present teachings relate to a method for controlling a service running at least partially on an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of: - Determining, using a proximity sensor in the electronic device, a first parameter indicative of the physical distance between the electronic device and a user; and - Adapting at least one operation of the electronic device dependent upon the first parameter.
A method for controlling content on a display of an electronic device includes emitting from an ultrasound transducer located in the electronic device, a first ultrasound signal at least some portion of which is directed towards the user. The method also includes receiving a second ultrasound signal at a receiver transducer located in the electronic device. The second ultrasound signal includes a portion constituted by a the first ultrasound signal being reflected from the user face. The method also includes computing a distance between the user and the electronic device using acoustic measurements involving at least one acoustic transducer. The electronic device includes a memory storing at least two sets of predetermined display features. The electronic device is set to display a first set when the distance between the electronic device and the user is above at least one chosen threshold and the second set of display features when the distance is less than the threshold.
An electronic device comprises a speaker protection module (36) arranged to receive an audio signal (22) and to use one or more parameters relating to a loudspeaker to produce a controlled audio signal (34). An amplifier (40) is arranged to amplify the controlled audio signal to produce an amplified audio signal (24, 26) which is passed to the loudspeaker. The amplitude of the controlled audio signal (34) is such that the amplified audio signal (24, 26) is less than or equal to an amplitude determined to be safe for the loudspeaker in view of the one or more parameters. An ultrasound generator (16) is arranged to generate an ultrasound signal (30) that is mixed (32) with the controlled audio signal (34) before the controlled audio signal (34) is passed to the amplifier (40). The ultrasound generator (16) is capable of producing said ultrasound signal at a plurality of frequencies.
A system for detecting a user input to a device comprises a display arrangement (4) arranged to provide a display (20) on a surface. An optical proximity sensing arrangement (6, 8) is configured to produce touch information relating to whether an input object is within a threshold distance of the surface. An acoustic position sensing arrangement (10, 12, 14, and 16) configured to produce position information relating to a position of the input object on the surface. A processing arrangement configured to determine an input to the device from the position information only when it determines from the touch information that the input object is within the threshold distance of the surface.
Present teachings relate to a method for initiating an authentication process on an electronic device, the method comprising transmitting an ultrasound signal from an ultrasound transmitter, generating a measured signal by receiving at an ultrasound receiver an echo of the ultrasound signal being reflected by an object, analyzing the echo by processing the measured signal, and initiating the authentication process on the electronic device based on the processing of the measured signal. The present teachings also relate to a method for maintaining an authenticated state of an object. The present teachings also relate to an electronic device comprising an ultrasound system for initiating an authenticating process. The present teaching also relate to an electronic device comprising an ultrasound system for retaining an authenticated state of an object. The present teachings also relate to a computer software product for implementing any method steps disclosed herein.
An electronic device (1) such as a cell phone, or a proximity detector for an electronic device (1), has an ultrasound transmitter (5), an ultrasound receiver (6), and a processing system. It transmits an ultrasonic sine-wave signal from the transmitter (5), and receives the ultrasonic sine-wave signal, through air, at the receiver (6). It detects when the frequency of the transmitted signal and a frequency of the received signal satisfy a predetermined difference criterion, and uses this to determine whether to disable or enable a touch or touchless input (2) on the device (1).
G06F 3/043 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using propagating acoustic waves
G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
G01S 15/32 - Systems for measuring distance only using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated
G01S 15/34 - Systems for measuring distance only using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated using transmission of continuous, frequency-modulated waves while heterodyning the received signal, or a signal derived therefrom, with a locally-generated signal related to the contemporaneously transmitted signal
G01S 15/04 - Systems determining presence of a target
G01S 15/52 - Discriminating between fixed and moving objects or between objects moving at different speeds
G01S 15/88 - Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications
G01S 15/58 - Velocity or trajectory determination systemsSense-of-movement determination systems
G06F 1/16 - Constructional details or arrangements
An electronic device (202) includes an ultrasonic proximity sensor arrangement comprising an ultrasonic transmitter (4) and an ultrasonic receiver (6) recessed from a front surface (208) of the device. A barrier (218) extends between the transmitter and receiver in the direction of the front surface of the device. The ultrasonic proximity sensor arrangement is arranged to determine proximity of an object (16) to said front surface based on a signal (214) received by the ultrasonic receiver, wherein the received signal is a reflection from said object of a signal transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitter.
A portable communications device comprises an interactive touchscreen display (20) having a transparent outer surface member occupying substantially all of a front surface of the communications device. A casing provides a rear surface of the communications device. The device further comprises an audible sound transmitter and an audible sound receiver arranged so as to receive vocal sounds produced by a user when the device is placed against the user's head. An ultrasonic transmitter (24) is separate from the audible sound transmitter. An elongate aperture (28) has a minimum dimension less than 100 μm located between the transparent outer surface member and the casing. A channel connects the elongate aperture and the ultrasonic transmitter so as to permit ultrasonic signals to pass out of the elongate aperture.
G01S 15/34 - Systems for measuring distance only using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated using transmission of continuous, frequency-modulated waves while heterodyning the received signal, or a signal derived therefrom, with a locally-generated signal related to the contemporaneously transmitted signal
A method alerts a user of a first device to the presence of a second device which can interact with the first device. The method includes using an ultrasonic signal transmitted by one of the devices to determine whether the first device is within a threshold distance of the second device. If the first device is determined to be within the threshold distance of the second device, a notification is triggered on the first device.
An electronic device (1) such as a cell phone, or a proximity detector for an electronic device (1), has an ultrasound transmitter (5), an ultrasound receiver (6), and a processing system. It transmits an ultrasonic sine-wave signal from the transmitter (5), and receives the ultrasonic sine-wave signal, through air, at the receiver (6). It detects when the frequency of the transmitted signal and a frequency of the received signal satisfy a predetermined difference criterion, and uses this to determine whether to disable or enable a touch or touchless input (2) on the device (1).
G01S 15/04 - Systems determining presence of a target
G01S 15/32 - Systems for measuring distance only using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated
G01S 15/34 - Systems for measuring distance only using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated using transmission of continuous, frequency-modulated waves while heterodyning the received signal, or a signal derived therefrom, with a locally-generated signal related to the contemporaneously transmitted signal
G01S 15/52 - Discriminating between fixed and moving objects or between objects moving at different speeds
G01S 15/58 - Velocity or trajectory determination systemsSense-of-movement determination systems
G01S 15/88 - Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications
An electronic device (202) includes an ultrasonic proximity sensor arrangement comprising an ultrasonic transmitter (4) and an ultrasonic receiver (6) recessed from a front surface (208) of the device. A barrier (218) extends between the transmitter and receiver in the direction of the front surface of the device. The ultrasonic proximity sensor arrangement is arranged to determine proximity of an object (16) to said front surface based on a signal (214) received by the ultrasonic receiver, wherein the received signal is a reflection from said object of a signal transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitter.
The shape or position of an object is estimated using a device comprising one or more transmitters and one or more receivers, forming a set of at least two transmitter-receiver combinations. Signals are transmitted from the transmitters, through air, to the object. They are reflected by the object and received by the receivers. A subset of the transmitter-receiver combinations which give rise to a received signal meeting a predetermined clarity criterion is determined. The positions of points on the object are estimated using substantially only signals from the subset of combinations.
A movement of an object is recognized as a predetermined movement, by transmitting signals between transmitter-receiver pairs, which are reflected from the object. A first event is recorded for one of the transmitter-receiver pairs if a reflected signal meets a predetermined proximity criterion, and a second event is recorded for a second transmitter-receiver pair if, after the first event, a subsequent reflected signal meets a predetermined proximity criterion. The first and second events are used to identify the movement.
G06F 3/043 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using propagating acoustic waves
G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
G06F 3/0488 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
G06F 3/03 - Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
G06F 3/0484 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
An electronic device comprises an ultrasound transmitter, an ultrasound receiver, a display screen, and a processing system. It transmits ultrasonic signals from the ultrasound transmitter and receives ultrasound signals, through air, at the ultrasound receiver. It uses signals transmitted by the ultrasound transmitter and received at the ultrasound receiver to determine, at intervals, whether or not an object is present within a three-dimensional detection zone adjacent the device, by determining whether or not a set of presence conditions is met. It alters the display screen when the results of two successive such determinations differ. It also uses signals transmitted by the ultrasound transmitter and received at the ultrasound receiver to detect a movement of an input object, and control a further operation of the device in response to said detection.
An electronic device having a touchless user interface for providing at least one input to the device, said touchless user interface comprising at least one ultrasound transmitter arrangement arranged to transmit ultrasonic signals and at least one ultrasound receiver arrangement arranged to receive reflections of said ultrasonic signals from an input object, wherein the device further comprises a substantially continuous outer surface portion, wherein said outer surface portion comprises at least one localised zone 30′ having a greater compliance for moving in response to impingement by said ultrasonic signals or reflections such that said localised zone 30′ forms part of said transmitter arrangement and/or said receiver arrangement.
A method of operating a touchless user interface on an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device is configured to determine information regarding the position and/or movement of an input object. The method has the steps of: deciding that an engagement gesture has been performed; deciding that a related input gesture has been performed; and carrying out an operation on the device on the basis of the input gesture only if the engagement gesture has been recognized and if the input gesture is one of a subset of possible input gestures determined by the engagement gesture.
G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
G06F 3/043 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using propagating acoustic waves
G06F 3/0488 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
An electronic device comprising a touch-sensitive surface and a touchless detecting system for detecting movement of a finger towards the surface. The device is configured to associate said movement with a predicted touch on said surface and to issue a report of said predicted touch.
G06F 3/0488 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
An electronic device (2) comprises a touch-sensitive screen (8) and a touchless detecting system for detecting movement of an input object (10). The device (2) is configured to detect a touchless movement of an input object (10) towards or away from the screen (8) and is arranged to change at least one aspect of the appearance of a graphical user interface element (6, 12) as the distance from the touch-sensitive screen (8) to the input object (10) changes, wherein the change in the graphical user interface element (6, 12) is independent of the coordinates of the input object (10) in a plane parallel to the screen (8).
G06F 3/0488 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
An electronic apparatus has a transmitter arranged to transmit an acoustic signal. It also has a receiver, for receiving acoustic energy comprising a reflection of the acoustic signal from an input object. It generates an electronic received signal from the received acoustic energy. The apparatus has processing means arranged to: (i) analyze at least a portion of the received signal to determine a linear combination of basis functions which represents an interference component in the received signal; (ii) use the determined linear combination to attenuate interference within the received signal, to give a post-attenuation signal; and (iii) use the post-attenuation signal to determine a user input to the electronic apparatus.
a screen 2 for displaying a graphical object 4, 6 having one or more associated interactions with which a user can interact with said graphical object 4, 6 through a said user input.
The device is arranged so that the signals transmitted by the transmitting means 7 and/or the reflected signals processed by the processing means are determined by the location of the graphical object 4, 6 on the screen 2 and/or by the interaction(s).
G06F 3/042 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by opto-electronic means
G06F 3/0488 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
Motions, positions or configurations off, for example a human hand can be recognized by transmitting a plurality of transmit signals in respective time frames; receiving a plurality of receive signals; determining a plurality of channel impulse responses using the transmit and receive signals; defining a matrix of impulse responses, with impulse responses for adjacent time frames adjacent each other; and analyzing the matrix for patterns (22) corresponding to the motion position or configuration.
An electronic device comprises a front surface comprising a display screen; a rear surface; at least one ultrasonic transmitter; and at least one ultrasonic receiver. The device may be configured to transmit signals from the transmitter and to receive the signals at the receiver after reflection from an input object and to use the reflected signals to characterise the motion of said input object for controlling a function of the device. At least one of the ultrasonic transmitter and the ultrasonic receiver is disposed on the rear surface of the device. The device may be configured to transmit signals from the transmitter and to receive the signals at the receiver after reflection from a user's hand and to use the reflected signals to detect one of a predetermined set of gestures carried out adjacent to the device when the device is placed on its rear surface on a flat supporting surface.
An electronic device having a touchless user interface for providing at least one input to the device, said touchless user interface comprising at least one ultrasound transmitter arrangement 16 arranged to transmit ultrasonic signals and at least one ultrasound receiver arrangement 18 arranged to receive reflections of said ultrasonic signals from an input object 14, wherein the device further comprises a substantially continuous outer surface portion 22, wherein said outer surface portion 22 comprises at least one localised zone 30' having a greater compliance for moving in response to impingement by said ultrasonic signals or reflections such that said localised zone 30' forms part of said transmitter arrangement 16 and/or said receiver arrangement 18.
An electronic device comprises a transmitter 6 for transmitting ultrasonic signals, a receiver 8 for receiving reflections 20 of said ultrasonic signals, wherein the device is adapted to control a function thereof in dependence on said received reflections, the device further comprising means for providing to a user an indication 14 of the presence of signals or noise which could interfere with said reflections.
In a method of operating at least first and second electronic devices, the devices are each arranged to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals, e.g. to operate a touchless user interface. Both devices, or at least two of the devices, are synchronised to transmit said signals at substantially the same time. The devices may, for example, listen to each other's ultrasonic signals or use a WiFi network access point for synchronization.
An electronic device (2) comprising a touch-sensitive surface (4) and a touchless detecting system (8, 10) for detecting movement of a finger (12) towards the surface (4). The device (2) is configured to associate said movement with a predicted touch on said surface (4) and to issue a report of said predicted touch.
G06F 3/0488 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
An electronic apparatus (1) has a transmitter (10) arranged to transmit an acoustic signal. It also has a receiver (11), for receiving acoustic energy comprising a reflection of the acoustic signal from an input object (5). It generates an electronic received signal from the received acoustic energy. The apparatus (1) has processing means (8) arranged to: (i) analyse at least a portion of the received signal to determine a linear combination of basis functions which represents an interference component in the received signal; (ii) use the determined linear combination to attenuate interference within the received signal, to give a post- attenuation signal; and (iii) use the post-attenuation signal to determine a user input to the electronic apparatus (1).
An electronic device comprises at least one ultrasonic transmitter (16), at least one ultrasonic receiver (18) and a display screen (10), and is arranged to transmit ultrasonic signals from the transmitter (16) and to receive ultrasonic signals reflected from an input object. The device is adapted to give a predetermined response only to a predetermined movement or set of predetermined movements of the input object, with said movement(s) defined at least partially by at least one of: a predetermined path through which the object moves, said predetermined path being indicated by a graphical object on said display screen (10); and a predetermined spatial zone in which the movement takes place, said predetermined spatial zone being indicated by a graphical object on said display screen (10).
An electronic device includes a touchless user interface comprising: transmitting means (7) for transmitting signals, receiving means (9a-9f) for receiving reflected signals after reflection of said signals from an input object, processing means for determining information regarding the position and/or movement of the input object from the reflected signals to provide a user input to the device; and a screen (2) for displaying a graphical object (4, 6) having one or more associated interactions with which a user can interact with said graphical object (4, 6) through a said user input. The device is arranged so that the signals transmitted by the transmitting means (7) and/or the reflected signals processed by the processing means are determined by the location of the graphical object (4, 6) on the screen (2) and/or by the interaction(s).
A user input to a system is processed by transmitting one or more signals through air towards a moving input object (12). A first signal, comprising a reflection from the input object (12), is received during a first time period, and is used to determine a characteristic of the movement of the input object (12). A second signal, comprising a further reflection from the input object (12), is received during a second time period, starting after the first time period has ended. The second received signal and the movement characteristic are together used to determine an input, to which the system responds.
A user input to a system is processed by receiving reflections of signals from a moving input object. Information relating to the direction of movement of the input object and information relating to the speed of the input object are determined from the reflections. Continual sensory feedback is provided to the user, controlled by a parameter that is repeatedly updated based on the direction and speed of the input object. When no new determination of information relating to the speed or direction of the input object has been made since a previous update, a time-dependent change is made to the parameter.
A portable electronic device comprises means for generating or receiving a signal indicating that it has been placed in a predetermined position. The portable electronic device is configured upon receiving said signal to enable user interaction with the portable electronic device by a touchless interaction mode. Also disclosed are various arrangements of a peripheral device and a portable electronic device which cooperate to provide a touchless interaction mode—e.g. through transducers and/or processing means being provided in the peripheral device.
G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
G06F 1/16 - Constructional details or arrangements
G06F 3/0346 - Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the userAccessories therefor with detection of the device orientation or free movement in a 3D space, e.g. 3D mice, 6-DOF [six degrees of freedom] pointers using gyroscopes, accelerometers or tilt-sensors
90.
IMPROVEMENTS IN TOUCHLESS OBJECT MOTION ESTIMATION
A method of estimating the movement of an input object (10) comprises the steps of transmitting a signal (8) towards said object (10); recording the signal received after reflection from the object (10); determining a direct path contribution (12) to the received signal; and estimating movement of the object based on the remainder of the received signal without said contribution, wherein the step of determining the direct path contribution comprises establishing an initial estimate based on at least a portion of at least one previously received signal and applying a time shift to said initial estimate.
A system includes first and second handheld devices. The first device transmits an acoustic signal, and the acoustic signal is reflected from an input object. The second device receives a received signal derived from a reflection of the acoustic signal from the input object. The second device determines information about the location or motion of the input object based on the received signal, and thereby detects a gesture performed by the input object.
G01S 5/18 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves
G01S 5/30 - Determining absolute distances from a plurality of spaced points of known location
G06F 1/16 - Constructional details or arrangements
G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
G06F 3/0488 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
A portable electronic device comprises means (4) for transmitting ultrasonic signals (8), means (6) for receiving ultrasonic signals (12) reflected from an input object, and means for processing received ultrasonic signals to determine an input to the device. The device is configured to reduce the transmission power of the ultrasonic signals transmitted by the transmitting means in the event that: the device determines that a reflection (16) from an object (14) other than the input object meets a predetermined criterion; or if an event is detected which indicates that the (10) user is or will be using a function of the device which does not support touchless interaction. Also disclosed is an electronic device comprising transmission means (4) for transmitting ultrasonic signals (8), means (6) for receiving ultrasonic signals (12) reflected from an input object (10) and means for processing received ultrasonic signals to determine an input to the device, the device further comprising user operable control means for allowing a user to turn a touchless interaction mode on and off, the device being configured to execute an additional operation when the touchless interaction mode is turned off.
A first electronic device is operated in the presence of a second electronic device. Both are configured to transmit acoustic signals, the first being configured to transmit signals with a first characteristic. The first device determines the presence of the second device and thereafter transmits acoustic signals having a second, signal characteristic, different from the first characteristic, and giving a reduced interference between signals transmitted from the first and second devices respectively than the first signal characteristic. Acoustic signals comprising reflections of the transmitted signals from an object are received at the first device, and are used to characterise the motion of the object and thereby control a function of the first device.
The shape or position of an object is estimated using a device comprising one or more transmitters and one or more receivers, forming a set of at least two transmitter-receiver combinations. Signals are transmitted from the transmitters, through air, to the object. They are reflected by the object and received by the receivers. A subset of the transmitter-receiver combinations which give rise to a received signal meeting a predetermined clarity criterion is determined. The positions of points on the object are estimated using substantially only signals from the subset of combinations.
An electronic device comprises a transmitter (6) for transmitting ultrasonic signals, a receiver (8) for receiving reflections (20) of said ultrasonic signals, wherein the device is adapted to control a function thereof in dependence on said received reflections, the device further comprising means for providing to a user an indication (14) of the presence of signals or noise which could interfere with said reflections.
In a method of operating at least first and second electronic devices, the devices are each arranged to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals, e.g. to operate a touchless user interface. Both devices, or at least two of the devices, are synchronised to transmit said signals at substantially the same time. The devices may, for example, listen to each other's ultrasonic signals or use a WiFi network access point for synchronisation.
The motion of an object is characterized by transmitting acoustic signals over first and second transmitter-receiver channels. Information relating to signals received over the first channel is compared with information relating to signals received over the second channel, to identify a similar pattern in both channels arising from reflections from the object. A relative timing difference between the channels, associated with the similar pattern, is used to characterize the motion of the object.
G01S 15/00 - Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems
H03K 17/94 - Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and -breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
H03M 11/00 - Coding in connection with keyboards or like devices, i.e. coding of the position of operated keys
G01B 5/02 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness
G06F 3/033 - Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the userAccessories therefor
G06F 3/043 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using propagating acoustic waves
A movement of an object is recognised as a predetermined movement, by transmitting signals between transmitter-receiver pairs, which are reflected from the object. A first event is recorded for one of the transmitter-receiver pairs if a reflected signal meets a predetermined proximity criterion, and a second event is recorded for a second transmitter-receiver pair if after the first event, a subsequent reflected signal meets a predetermined proximity criterion. The first and second events are used to identify the movement.
G06F 3/043 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using propagating acoustic waves
G06F 3/0488 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
99.
SIGNAL PROCESSING OF RECEIVED ANALOGUE ULTRASONIC SIGNALS
The disclosed electronic apparatus comprises: transmitting means (54) arranged to transmit an ultrasonic signal; receiving means (55) arranged to receive a reflection of the ultrasonic signal from an input object, and to generate a received analogue electrical signal therefrom; a filter (56) arranged to take the received analogue electrical signal as input and to output a filtered analogue electrical signal; and digital processing means (52) configured to control a characteristic of the filter (56), and to use the filtered analogue electrical signal to determine a user input to the electronic apparatus.
A user input to a system is processed by receiving reflections of signals from a moving input object. Information relating to the direction of movement of the input object and information relating to the speed of the input object are determined from the reflections. Continual sensory feedback is provided to the user, controlled by a parameter that is repeatedly updated based on the direction and speed of the input object. When no new determination of information relating to the speed or direction of the input object has been made since a previous update, a time-dependent change is made to the parameter.
patents
