US 12,646,392 B2 · Orientation autodetection based on motion sensors

Abstract

Systems and methods for detecting device orientation use two motion sensors arranged perpendicularly to one another require, one horizontal (landscape) and one vertical (portrait), to automatically detect orientation of an electronic device. The motion sensors operate mainly to detect and notify the device of any motion in proximity to the device, but the perpendicular positioning additionally allows the sensors to be used for autodetection of device orientation. The sensors detect movement near the electronic device such that one of the sensors will detect the movement more strongly than the other sensor, depending on whether the device is oriented horizontally or vertically. The stronger detection by one of the sensors can then be used to provide an indication of the device orientation. Such an arrangement avoids the need for gyroscopes, accelerometers, or other components designed to detect position and orientation.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An electronic device, comprising:

a processor;
a display communicatively coupled to the processor;
a first sensor communicatively coupled to the processor and configured to provide first sensing data representing a first sensor output signal;
a second sensor communicatively coupled to the processor and provided in a perpendicular configuration relative to the first sensor, the second sensor configured to provide second sensing data representing a second sensor output signal;
wherein the processor is configured to determine an orientation of the electronic device based at least in part on analyzing the first sensing data and the second sensing data, and a determination whether the first sensor output signal or the second sensor output signal is stronger, and wherein the processor is further configured to control orientation of the display based on the orientation of the electronic device;
wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are motion sensors configured to detect movement external to the electronic device;
and
wherein one of the first sensor and the second sensor that detects horizontal movement outputs the stronger signal.

5 more elements

A non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-readable instructions for detecting device orientation in an electronic device, the computer-readable instructions, when executed by one or more processors, causes the electronic device to:

obtain first sensing data from a first sensor provided in the electronic device, the first sensing data representing a first sensor output signal;
obtain second sensing data from a second sensor provided in the electronic device in a perpendicular configuration relative to the first sensor, the second sensing data representing a second sensor output signal;
determine an orientation of the electronic device based at least in part on analyzing the first sensing data and the second sensing data, and a determination whether the first sensor output signal or the second sensor output signal is stronger;
control orientation of a display of the electronic device based on the orientation of the electronic device;
wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are motion sensors configured to detect movement external to the electronic device;
and
wherein one of the first sensor and the second sensor that detects horizontal movement outputs the stronger signal.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Orientation autodetection based on motion sensors

Life of this patent

Orientation autodetection based on motion sensors

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20