U.S. patent application number 17/493736 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-27 for notification of availability of radar-based input for electronic devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to Google LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Google LLC. Invention is credited to Leonardo Giusti, Vignesh Sachidanandam, Devon James O'Reilley Stern.
Application Number | 20220026993 17/493736 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220026993 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stern; Devon James O'Reilley ;
et al. |
January 27, 2022 |
Notification of Availability of Radar-Based Input for Electronic
Devices
Abstract
This document describes techniques and systems that enable an
input-mode notification for a multi-input mode. A radar field
enables an electronic device to accurately determine the presence
or absence of a user near the electronic device. Further, the
electronic device can determine whether an application that can
receive input through radar-based gestures is operating on the
electronic device. Using these techniques, the electronic device
can present an input-mode notification on a display of the
electronic device when the user is near to alert the user that
radar gesture input is available for interacting with the
electronic device. This allows the device to provide the user with
feedback that can educate the user about what the electronic device
is capable of, and allows the user to take advantage of the
additional functionality and features provided by the availability
of the radar gestures.
Inventors: |
Stern; Devon James O'Reilley;
(Oakland, CA) ; Giusti; Leonardo; (San Francisco,
CA) ; Sachidanandam; Vignesh; (Redwood City,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Google LLC |
Mountain View |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Google LLC
Mountain View
CA
|
Appl. No.: |
17/493736 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16912307 |
Jun 25, 2020 |
11169615 |
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17493736 |
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PCT/US2019/049164 |
Aug 30, 2019 |
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16912307 |
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International
Class: |
G06F 3/01 20060101
G06F003/01; G01S 13/88 20060101 G01S013/88; G06F 3/0346 20060101
G06F003/0346; G09G 5/02 20060101 G09G005/02; G09G 5/37 20060101
G09G005/37 |
Claims
1. An electronic device comprising: a radar system, implemented at
least partially in hardware, configured to: provide a radar field;
sense reflections from a user in the radar field; analyze the
reflections from the user in the radar field; provide, based on the
analysis of the reflections, radar data; and determine, prior to
receiving radar-gesture input and based on the radar data, whether
the user is within a threshold distance of the electronic device;
one or more computer processors; and one or more non-transitory
computer-readable media having instructions stored thereon that,
responsive to execution by the one or more computer processors,
implement a radar-based input-mode availability manager configured
to: determine whether an application that has a capability to
receive radar gesture input is operating on the electronic device;
and prior to receiving radar-gesture input and responsive to a
determination that the application that has the capability to
receive radar gesture input is operating on the electronic device
and a determination that the user is within the threshold distance
of the electronic device, cause the electronic device to present an
input-mode notification, the input-mode notification associated
with the capability to receive the radar gesture input.
2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the input-mode
notification comprises an audible notification.
3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the input-mode
notification comprises a haptic notification.
4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the input-mode
notification comprises a visual notification presented using a
lighting element on a housing of the electronic device.
5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the lighting element
is a light-emitting diode attached to the housing of the electronic
device.
6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the input-mode
notification comprises a visual element that is presented on a
display of the electronic device.
7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the input-mode
notification comprises a visual element that appears at an edge of
an active area of the display, the visual element comprising a
portion of the active area of the display having: a visual
property, in particular at least one of a luminosity, a color, a
contrast, a shape, a saturation, a blur, or an opaqueness that is
different from a visual property of another portion of the display
that is near to the visual element; and a side that is adjacent to
the edge of the active area of the display.
8. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the radar-based
input-mode availability manager is further configured to: obtain an
orientation of content presented on the display; determine, based
on the orientation of the content presented on the display, a
direction of the radar gesture input that is used to interact with
the content; based on the direction of the radar gesture input that
is used to interact with the content, cause the display to present
the input-mode notification at a particular edge of the active area
of the display that corresponds to the direction of the radar
gesture input that is used to interact with the content; detect a
change in an orientation of the electronic device with respect to
the user; and based on the change in the orientation of the
electronic device with respect to the user, cause the display to
present the input-mode notification on a different edge of the
active display, effective to maintain an orientation of the
input-mode notification with respect to the user.
9. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the radar-based
input-mode availability manager is further configured to: determine
that the application operating on the electronic device and having
the capability to receive the radar gesture input is operating in
an immersive mode; and responsive to determining the application
operating on the electronic device and having the capability to
receive the radar gesture input is operating in an immersive mode,
cause the display to: present the input-mode notification for a
presentation duration after the determination of the immersive
mode; and responsive to the presentation duration ending, cease
presenting the input-mode notification for a non-presentation
duration.
10. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the determination
that the application operating on the electronic device has a
capability to receive radar gesture input, the determination that
the user is within the threshold distance from the electronic
device, and the presentation of the input-mode notification occur:
while the electronic device is in an unlocked state; or while the
electronic device is in a locked state.
11. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the radar-based
input-mode availability manager is further configured to: determine
that the user is interacting with the electronic device, wherein
the determination that the user is interacting with the electronic
device comprises a determination that the user is using touch input
or a determination that the user has picked up the electronic
device; responsive to the determination that the user is
interacting with the electronic device, cause the display to cease
presenting the input-mode notification; determine that the user has
stopped interacting with the electronic device, wherein the
determination that the user has stopped interacting with the
electronic device comprises a determination that the user has
stopped using touch input or a determination that the user has set
down the electronic device; and responsive to the determination
that the user has stopped interacting with the electronic device,
cause the display to present the input-mode notification.
12. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the radar-based
input-mode availability manager is further configured to: determine
a background color of a region of the display on which the
input-mode notification is displayed; and responsive to
determination of the background color of the region of the display
on which the input-mode notification is displayed, cause the
display to present the input-mode notification in another color
that is different from the background color, the different color
effective to provide human-discernable contrast between the
input-mode notification and the region of the display on which the
input-mode notification is displayed.
13. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the radar-based
input-mode availability manager is further configured to: determine
at least one of an operational state, a screen state, a power
state, or a functional mode of the electronic device, the
operational state, the screen state, the power state, or the
functional mode of the electronic device indicating that the
input-mode notification has been presented for longer than a
threshold duration; and responsive to the determination that the
operational state, the screen state, the power state, and/or the
functional mode of the electronic device indicates that the
input-mode notification has been presented for longer than a
threshold duration, cause the display to: present the input-mode
notification at a different location; or cease presenting the
input-mode notification for a duration of time; and responsive to
the duration of time ending, present the input-mode notification
for another duration of time.
14. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the radar system
determines whether the user is within a threshold distance of the
electronic device using the radar-based input-mode availability
manager.
15. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the user being within
a threshold distance of the electronic device does not comprise
radar-gesture input.
16. A method implemented in an electronic device that includes a
display and a radar system, the method comprising: determining
whether an application that has a capability to receive radar
gesture input is operating on the electronic device, the radar
gesture input defined by radar data that is generated by the radar
system; determining, by the radar system, based on one or more
subsets of the radar data and prior to receiving radar-gesture
input, whether a user is within a threshold distance of the
electronic device; and prior to receiving radar-gesture input and
responsive to determining that the application that has a
capability to receive radar gesture input is operating on the
electronic device and that the user is within the threshold
distance of the electronic device, providing an input-mode
notification at the electronic device, the input-mode notification
associated with the capability to receive the radar gesture
input.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the input-mode notification
comprises an audible notification.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the input-mode notification
comprises a haptic notification.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the input-mode notification
comprises a visual notification presented using a lighting element
on a housing of the electronic device.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the lighting element is a
light-emitting diode attached to the housing of the electronic
device.
21. The method of claim 16, wherein providing the input-mode
notification further comprises providing a visual element that is
presented on a display of the electronic device.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the input-mode notification
comprises a visual element that appears at the edge of the active
area of the display, the visual element comprising a portion of the
active area of the display having: a visual property, in particular
at least one of a luminosity, a color, a contrast, a shape, a
saturation, a blur, or an opaqueness that is different from a
visual property of another portion of the display that is near to
the visual element; and a side that is adjacent to the edge of the
active area of the display, and wherein the visual property of the
visual element varies from the side that is adjacent to the edge of
the active area of the display to another side of the visual
element.
23. The method of claim 21, further comprising: obtaining an
orientation of content presented on the display; determining, based
on the orientation of the content presented on the display, a
direction of the radar gesture input that is used to interact with
the content; providing, based on the direction of the radar gesture
input that is used to interact with the content, the input-mode
notification on the edge of the active area of the display that
corresponds to the direction of the radar gesture input that is
used to interact with the content; detecting a change in an
orientation of the electronic device with respect to the user; and
based on the change in the orientation of the electronic device
with respect to the user, providing the input-mode notification on
a different edge of the active display, effective to maintain an
orientation of the input-mode notification with respect to the
user.
24. The method of claim 21, further comprising: determining that
the application operating on the electronic device and having the
capability to receive radar gesture input is operating in an
immersive mode; and responsive to determining the application
operating on the electronic device and having the capability to
receive radar gesture input is operating in an immersive mode:
providing the input-mode notification for a presentation duration
after determining the immersive mode; and responsive to the
presentation duration ending, cease providing the input-mode
notification for a non-presentation duration.
25. The method of claim 21, further comprising: determining a
background color of a region of the display on which the input-mode
notification is displayed; and responsive to determining the
background color of the region of the display on which the
input-mode notification is displayed, providing the input-mode
notification in another color that is different from the background
color, the other color effective to provide human-discernable
contrast between the input-mode notification and the region of the
display on which the input-mode notification is displayed.
26. The method of claim 21, wherein the radar system determines
whether the user is within a threshold distance of the electronic
device using another component of the electronic device.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Utility
application Ser. No. 16/912,307 filed Jun. 25, 2020, which in turn
is a continuation of International Application No.
PCT/US2019/049164, filed Aug. 30, 2019, the disclosures of which
are incorporated in their entireties by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Electronic devices are regularly relied upon for both
business and personal use. Users communicate with them via voice
and touch, and treat them like a virtual assistant to schedule
meetings and events, consume digital media, and share presentations
and documents. One important part of effective communication is
feedback so that the user knows the message has been received. Many
conventional electronic devices provide audio or physical feedback,
such as a beep or vibration, when the user makes a touch input or
speaks a voice command This feedback gives the user confidence that
the user's input has been received or alerts the user that the
input was unsuccessful. Further, some electronic devices provide
markers to tell the user how to make an input, such as a keyboard
or microphone icon to let the user know how to access touch or
voice input modes.
[0003] With the aid of machine-learning techniques, the electronic
devices can become familiar with the user's routines and
preferences and can operate in a mode likely to be preferred by the
user. For all this computing power and artificial intelligence,
however, these devices are still reactive communicators. That is,
however "smart" a smartphone is, and however much the user talks to
it like it is a person, the electronic device is still dependent on
being activated before it can provide any feedback. To activate the
mobile device, the user typically has to first pick up the device
to make it aware of the user's intention to use the electronic
device. Only after this physical interaction can the device make
applications and functionality available for the user.
Consequently, many electronic devices provide poor user experiences
prior to explicit interaction by the user.
SUMMARY
[0004] This document describes techniques and systems that enable
an input-mode notification for a multi-input mode. The techniques
and systems use a radar field to enable an electronic device to
accurately determine the presence or absence of a user near the
electronic device. Further, the electronic device can determine
whether an application that can receive input through radar-based
three-dimensional (3D) gestures (radar gestures) is operating on
the electronic device. Using these techniques, the electronic
device can present an input-mode notification on a display of the
electronic device when the user is near. This alerts the user that
radar gesture input is available for interacting with the
electronic device. This allows the device to provide the user with
feedback, which can educate the user about what the electronic
device is capable of and allow the user to take advantage of the
additional functionality and features provided by the availability
of the radar gesture.
[0005] Aspects described below include an electronic device
comprising a display, a radar system, one or more computer
processors, and one or more computer-readable media. The radar
system is implemented at least partially in hardware and provides a
radar field. The radar system also senses reflections from a user
in the radar field, analyzes the reflections from the user in the
radar field, and provides radar data based on the analysis of the
reflections. The one or more computer-readable media include stored
instructions that can be executed by the one or more computer
processors to implement a radar-based input-mode availability
manager. The radar-based input-mode availability manager determines
that an application operating on the electronic device has a
capability to receive radar gesture input. The radar-based
input-mode availability manager also determines that the user is
within a threshold distance of the electronic device. In response
to the determination that the application operating on the
electronic device has the capability to receive radar gesture input
and that the user is within the threshold distance of the
electronic device, the radar-based input-mode availability manager
causes the display to present an input-mode notification, the
input-mode notification associated with the capability to receive
the radar gesture input.
[0006] Aspects described below also include a method implemented in
an electronic device that includes a display and a radar system.
The method comprises determining that an application operating on
the electronic device has a capability to receive radar gesture
input, which is defined by radar data that is generated by the
radar system. The method also includes determining, based on one or
more subsets of the radar data, that a user is within a threshold
distance of the electronic device. The method further includes, in
response to determining that the application operating on the
electronic device has the capability to receive radar gesture input
and that the user is within the threshold distance of the
electronic device, providing an input-mode notification on the
display of the electronic device, the input-mode notification
associated with the capability to receive the radar gesture
input.
[0007] Aspects described below include a system comprising a
display, and an electronic device that includes, or is associated
with means for providing a radar field that provides radar data,
the radar data based on sensing and analyzing reflections from an
object in the radar field. The system also includes means for
determining that an application operating on the electronic device
has a capability to receive radar gesture input. The system also
includes means for determining, based on one or more subsets of the
radar data, that a user is within a threshold distance of the
electronic device. The system further includes means for providing,
in response to determining that the application operating on the
electronic device has the capability to receive radar gesture input
and that the user is within the threshold distance of the
electronic device, an input-mode notification on the display of the
electronic device the input-mode notification associated with the
capability to receive the radar gesture input.
[0008] This summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts
concerning the input-mode notification for a multi-input mode,
which is further described below in the Detailed Description and
Drawings. This summary is not intended to identify essential
features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use
in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The details of one or more aspects of an input-mode
notification for a multi-input mode are described in this document
with reference to the following drawings. The same numbers are used
throughout the drawings to reference like features and
components:
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an example environment in which
techniques enabling the input-mode notification for a multi-input
mode can be implemented.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates an example implementation of an
electronic device, including a radar system, that can implement the
input-mode notification for a multi-input mode.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an example implementation of the radar
system of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates example arrangements of receiving antenna
elements for the radar system of FIG. 3.
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates additional details of an example
implementation of the radar system of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates an example scheme that can be implemented
by the radar system of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0016] FIG. 7 depicts an example method that enables the input-mode
notification for a multi-input mode.
[0017] FIGS. 8-13 illustrate visual elements, including the
input-mode notification, which can be presented on the display of
the electronic device of FIGS. 1 and 2 when a gesture-subscribed
application is running on the electronic device.
[0018] FIGS. 14-16 illustrate the electronic device of FIGS. 1 and
2 operating in multiple modes with examples of the visual elements
that can be presented on the display in the different modes.
[0019] FIG. 17 illustrates an example computing system that can be
implemented as any type of client, server, and/or electronic device
as described with reference to FIGS. 1-16 to implement, or in which
techniques may be implemented that enable, the input-mode
notification for a multi-input mode.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Overview
[0020] This document describes techniques and systems that enable
an input-mode notification for a multi-input mode. As noted,
effective communication includes feedback so that the user knows
when a message has been sent or received. In the context of
communication that is interaction with an electronic device, this
can also include understanding what modes of interactions are
available. Without an awareness of a user, the electronic device
either provides feedback all of the time, which can waste
resources, or only after the user explicitly engages, which can
adversely affect the user's experience.
[0021] The described techniques employ a radar system that can
determine the user's presence (or absence) and location relative to
the electronic device. The electronic device can also determine
when the device is running an application that can receive input
through radar-based three-dimensional (3D) gestures (radar
gestures). Note that the term "three-dimensional" refers to the
nature of a gesture in space, away from the electronic device
(e.g., the radar gesture does not require the user to touch the
device, though it must be within a threshold distance of the device
to be detected by the radar system). The radar gesture itself may
often only have an active informational component that lies in two
dimensions, such as a radar gesture consisting of an
upper-left-to-lower-right swipe in a plane, but because the radar
gesture also has a distance from the electronic device (a "third"
dimension), the radar gestures discussed herein can be generally be
considered three-dimensional.
[0022] Using these techniques, the electronic device can provide
feedback and a notification to make the user aware of the available
radar gesture input mode and, in some cases, provide feedback
regarding the use and results of the radar gesture input. A
determination of the user's absence, presence, and location can
also be used to provide a more-responsive and more-efficient
authentication process. For example, the techniques enable the
device to anticipate when the user is ready to be authenticated and
to more-accurately determine when to lock the device when the user
is away. Because the described techniques allow the electronic
device to provide the user with useful feedback about available
input modes, interactions may be more convenient and less
frustrating because the user is aware of the input modes and can be
confident about different ways in which the device can interact and
receive input.
[0023] Consider an example smartphone that includes the described
radar system and other components. In this example, an application
that has a capability to receive input through radar gestures is
operating on the electronic device. This type of application will
be referred to as a radar-gesture-subscribed application or a
gesture-subscribed application. Examples of gesture-subscribed
applications include music players, media players, and applications
or features of an electronic device that provide alerts or a
reminder, such as a calendar. An input-mode availability manager
causes the electronic device to present an input-mode notification
on a display of the device when the user is near. For example, the
input-mode availability manager can use radar data to determine
that the user is within a threshold distance from the electronic
device. The threshold distance can be any suitable distance within
which the radar system can recognize the user, such as within one,
three, five, or seven feet.
[0024] The input-mode notification is a user-perceivable element,
such as a visual element that is presented on the display of the
electronic device that indicates the availability of the
application to receive input by radar gestures. For example, when a
gesture-subscribed application is running on the electronic device,
the display may present an icon, a contrasted lighting area (e.g.,
an area that is brighter or dimmer than the surrounding area), or
an area of different or contrasting color. In some cases, the
input-mode notification may be a combination of one or more of
these features. Thus, in this example, when the electronic device
determines that a gesture-subscribed application is running while
the user is near, an illuminated line may appear at the top edge of
the display and then slightly dim and remain at the top of the
display.
[0025] The described techniques and systems employ a radar system,
along with other features, to provide a useful and rewarding user
experience that changes based on the user's presence or absence and
the operation of a gesture-subscribed application on the electronic
device. Rather than relying only on the user's knowledge and
explicit user input, the electronic device can provide feedback to
the user to indicate that the device is aware of the user's
location and alert the user to the features and functionality that
is available.
[0026] Some conventional electronic devices may include sensors,
such as cameras, proximity sensors (e.g., capacitive or infra-red
sensors), or accelerometers to determine the location of the user
and adjust various functions of the electronic device based on the
proximity of the user. For example, the electronic device may
provide additional privacy or aesthetic value by turning off a
display unless the user is within a predetermined distance. The
conventional electronic device, however, typically cannot provide a
useful and rich ambient experience that can educate the user about
the capabilities of the electronic device. These are but a few
examples of how the described techniques and devices may be used to
enable an input-mode notification for a multi-input mode. Other
examples and implementations of which are described throughout this
document. The document now turns to an example operating
environment, after which example devices, methods, and systems are
described.
Operating Environment
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an example environment 100 in which
techniques enabling an input-mode notification for a multi-input
mode can be implemented. The example environment 100 includes an
electronic device 102, which includes, or is associated with, a
radar system 104, a persistent radar-based input-mode availability
manager 106 (IMA manager 106), and, optionally, one or more
non-radar sensors 108 (non-radar sensor 108). The term
"persistent," with reference to the radar system 104 or the IMA
manager 106, means that no user interaction is required to activate
the radar system 104 (which may operate in various modes, such as a
dormant mode, an engaged mode, or an active mode) or the IMA
manager 106. In some implementations, the "persistent" state may be
paused or turned off (e.g., by a user). In other implementations,
the "persistent" state may be scheduled or otherwise managed in
accordance with one or more parameters of the electronic device 102
(or another electronic device). For example, the user may schedule
the "persistent" state such that it is only operational during
daylight hours, even though the electronic device 102 is on both at
night and during the day. The non-radar sensor 108 can be any of a
variety of devices, such as an audio sensor (e.g., a microphone), a
touch-input sensor (e.g., a touchscreen), or an image-capture
device (e.g., a camera or video-camera).
[0028] In the example environment 100, the radar system 104
provides a radar field 110 by transmitting one or more radar
signals or waveforms as described below with reference to FIGS.
3-6. The radar field 110 is a volume of space from which the radar
system 104 can detect reflections of the radar signals and
waveforms (e.g., radar signals and waveforms reflected from objects
in the volume of space). The radar field 110 may be configured in
multiple shapes, such as a sphere, a hemisphere, an ellipsoid, a
cone, one or more lobes, or an asymmetric shape (e.g., that can
cover an area on either side of an obstruction that is not
penetrable by radar). The radar system 104 also enables the
electronic device 102, or another electronic device, to sense and
analyze reflections from an object in the radar field 110. Some
implementations of the radar system 104 are particularly
advantageous as applied in the context of smartphones, such as the
electronic device 102, for which there is a convergence of issues
such as a need for low power, a need for processing efficiency,
limitations in a spacing and layout of antenna elements, and other
issues, and are even further advantageous in the particular context
of smartphones for which radar detection of fine hand gestures is
desired. Although the implementations are particularly advantageous
in the described context of the smartphone for which fine
radar-detected hand gestures are required, it is to be appreciated
that the applicability of the features and advantages of the
present invention is not necessarily so limited, and other
implementations involving other types of electronic devices (e.g.,
as described with reference to FIG. 2) are also within the scope of
the present teachings.
[0029] The object may be any of a variety of objects from which the
radar system 104 can sense and analyze radar reflections, such as
wood, plastic, metal, fabric, a human body, or human body parts
(e.g., a foot, hand, or finger of a user of the electronic device
102). As shown in FIG. 1, the object is a user 112 of the
electronic device 102. Based on the analysis of the reflections,
the radar system 104 can provide radar data that includes various
types of information associated with the radar field 110 and the
reflections from the user 112, as described with reference to FIGS.
3-6 (e.g., the radar system 104 can pass the radar data to other
entities, such as the IMA manager 106).
[0030] It should be noted that the radar data may be continuously
or periodically provided over time, based on the sensed and
analyzed reflections from the user 112 in the radar field 110. A
position of the user 112 can change over time (e.g., the user 112
may move within the radar field 110) and the radar data can thus
vary over time corresponding to the changed positions, reflections,
and analyses. Because the radar data may vary over time, the radar
system 104 may provide radar data that includes one or more subsets
of radar data that correspond to different periods of time. For
example, the radar system 104 may provide a first subset of the
radar data corresponding to a first time-period, a second subset of
the radar data corresponding to a second time-period, and so forth.
In some cases, different subsets of the radar data may overlap,
entirely or in part (e.g., one subset of the radar data may include
some or nearly all of the same data as another subset).
[0031] The electronic device 102 can also include a display 114 and
an application manager 116. The display 114 can include any
suitable display device, such as a touchscreen, a liquid crystal
display (LCD), thin film transistor (TFT) LCD, an in-place
switching (IPS) LCD, a capacitive touchscreen display, an organic
light emitting diode (OLED) display, an active-matrix organic
light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display, super AMOLED display, and so
forth. The display 114 is used to display visual elements that are
associated with various modes of the electronic device 102, which
are described in further detail herein with reference to FIGS.
10-16. The application manager 116 can communicate and interact
with applications operating on the electronic device 102 to
determine and resolve conflicts between applications (e.g.,
processor resource usage, power usage, or access to other
components of the electronic device 102). The application manager
116 can also interact with applications to determine the
applications' available input modes, such as touch, voice, or radar
gesture, and communicate the available modes to the IMA manager
106.
[0032] The IMA manager 106 can be used to interact with or control
various components of the electronic device 102 (e.g., modules,
managers, systems, interfaces, or one or more of the non-radar
sensors 108). For instance, the IMA manager 106 (independently or
through the application manager 116) can determine that an
application operating on the electronic device has a capability to
receive radar gesture input (e.g., a gesture-subscribed
application). The radar gesture input may be based on the radar
data and received through the radar system 104. The IMA manager
106, or the radar system 104, can also use the radar data to
determine that the user 112 is near the electronic device 102. For
example, the IMA manager 106 can determine that the user 112 is
within a threshold distance of the electronic device 102, such as
within one, three, five, or seven feet of the electronic device 102
or within a recognition zone.
[0033] The recognition zone is an area around the radar system 104
that may extend any of a variety of distances from the radar system
104, such as approximately three, seven, ten, or fourteen feet (or
approximately one, two, three, or four meters). The recognition
zone may be the same or less than a maximum extent of the radar
field 110. The recognition zone may be a static size or shape that
is predefined, user-selectable, or determined via another method
(e.g., based on power requirements, remaining battery life, or
another factor). In some cases, the recognition zone may be
dynamically and automatically adjustable by the IMA manager 106,
based on factors such as the velocity or location of the electronic
device 102, a time of day, a state of an application running on the
electronic device 102, or another factor. The threshold distance or
recognition zone can be determined based on a number of relevant
factors, such as battery level, location of the electronic device,
velocity of the electronic device, or data received from one or
more of the radar system, other sensors, or applications running on
the electronic device.
[0034] When the IMA 106 determines that the gesture-subscribed
application is operating on the electronic device and that the user
is near the electronic device 102, the IMA manager 106 can cause
the display 114 to present an input-mode notification 118, which is
associated with the capability to receive radar gesture input. The
input-mode notification 118 is a user-perceivable element, such as
a visual element that appears on an active area of the display 114
to indicate that the user 112 may use radar gestures to interact
with the gesture-subscribed application. The input-mode
notification 118 can also be (or include) a light element that is
not on the display (e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED) or an LED
array mounted on a housing or bezel of the electronic device), a
haptic element (e.g., a vibration element), and/or an audio element
(e.g., a user-perceivable sound). The input-mode notification 118
may be presented along an edge of the display 114 and have any of a
variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and other visual parameters or
properties. Examples of the other visual parameters or properties
include luminosity, color, contrast, shape, saturation, blur, or
opaqueness. In some cases, the visual element may be a portion of
the active area of the display 114 that has a luminosity or other
visual property that is different from a luminosity or other visual
property of the display 114, has a side that is parallel and/or
adjacent to the edge of the active area of the display, and has a
shape that extends from the edge of the active area of the display.
Luminosity refers to the perceived brightness of an object by a
human. Modifying the luminosity may include modifying luminance
(e.g., brightness), contrast, and/or opaqueness. While some of
these examples describe the input-mode notification 118 as
presented on an edge of the display 114, the input-mode
notification 118 may appear at a location on the display 114 that
is not an edge. For example, the edge of the display 114 may
include an area beginning at a border of the active area of the
display 114 and extending a distance from the border that is no
more than approximately 15 percent of a total length of the border
of the display 114.
[0035] Consider an example illustrated in FIG. 1. A detail view
100-1 shows an example display 114-1 that is blank. In this
example, the blank display 114-1 indicates that the IMA manager 106
has determined that the user 112 is not near the electronic device
102 and/or that no gesture-subscribed application is operating on
the electronic device 102. Another detail view 100-2 shows another
example display 114-2, on which the input-mode notification 118 is
presented. The presentation of the input-mode notification 118
indicates that the IMA manager 106 has determined that the user 112
is near the electronic device 102 (e.g., the user 112 is within the
radar field 110 and the IMA manager 106 has used one or more
subsets of radar data to determine that the user 112 is within a
threshold distance of the electronic device 102) and at least one
gesture-subscribed application is operating on the electronic
device 102. In this example, the input-mode notification 118 is a
line that is located at a top edge of the electronic device 102. In
other implementations, the input-mode notification 118 may be
another size, another shape, or be presented at another location.
Additional details and examples of the input-mode notification 118
are described with reference to FIGS. 8-13.
[0036] In some implementations, the luminosity (or other visual
parameter) of the input-mode notification 118 may vary as the shape
extends across a distance from the edge of the active area of the
display 114 (e.g., a maximum luminosity at the edge of the display
114 that decreases as the shape extends away from the edge). For
example, the input-mode notification 118 may be presented as a
predetermined area of the display 114 that has a different
luminosity than another area of the display 114 (e.g., an area
surrounding or near to the input-mode notification 118) and that is
adjacent to the edge of the display 114. In another example, the
input-mode notification 118 may be presented as a line, with a
predetermined thickness, that has a different luminosity than the
display 114 and that is adjacent to the edge of the display
114.
[0037] The color of the input-mode notification 118 may be any
suitable color that can be visually differentiated from the
background of the display 114 on which it is presented. The color
of the input-mode notification 118 may change based on any of a
variety of factors, such as an operational state of the electronic
device 102 or an ambient background color of the display 114. In
some implementations, the IMA manager 106 can determine a
background color of a region of the display 114 on which the
input-mode notification 118 is, or will be, displayed. In response
to determining the background color, the IMA manager 106 can cause
the display 114 to present the input-mode notification 118 in
another color that is different from the background color. The
different color of the input-mode notification 118 can provide
human-discernable contrast between the input-mode notification 118
and the background color to make it easier for the user 112 to see
the input-mode notification 118. In some cases, the IMA manager 106
can continuously, automatically, and dynamically adjust the color
of the input-mode notification 118, based on changes to the
background color.
[0038] The input-mode notification 118, in some implementations,
may appear, at least in part, as a brief animation. For example,
the input-mode notification 118 may appear at the edge of the
active display and then grow or shrink before taking on a default
appearance. Similarly, the color, luminosity, or shape may change
as the input-mode notification 118 appears or disappears (e.g., if
the gesture-subscribed application stops operating) before taking
on the default appearance.
[0039] In some cases, the input-mode notification 118 may be an
image that appears on the display 114, rather than an element that
appears in a region of the display 114. The image may have visual
parameters or properties that are different from the parameters or
properties of an ambient background of the display 114, such as
luminosity, color, contrast, shape, saturation, blur, opaqueness,
and so forth. In other cases, the ambient background may be an
image, and the input-mode notification 118 is the same image, with
different visual parameters, such as luminosity, color, contrast,
shape, saturation, blur, opaqueness, and so forth. In this way, the
input-mode notification 118 can improve the user's experience by
communicating to the user that the electronic device is operating
in a mode in which radar gestures are available for interacting
with the electronic device 102.
[0040] In some implementations, the location of the input-mode
notification 118 may be determined based on an orientation of
content on the display 114. For example, the IMA manager 106 may
obtain the orientation of the content on the display 114 from the
application manager 116 (or from another source). The IMA manager
106 can also determine, based on the orientation of the content, a
direction of the radar gesture input that can be used to interact
with the content. Based on the direction of the radar gesture
input, the IMA manager 106 can cause the display to present the
input-mode notification 118 at a particular edge of the active area
of the display 114 that corresponds to the direction of the radar
gesture input. Thus, if the context of the displayed content is
horizontal (e.g., the direction of the radar gestures would likely
be left-to-right or right-to-left), the input-mode notification 118
is displayed at a top or bottom edge, to help indicate to the user
that the radar gestures are horizontal. Similarly, if the context
of the displayed content is vertical (e.g., the direction of the
radar gestures would likely be bottom-to-top or top-to-bottom), the
input-mode notification 118 is displayed at a side edge, to help
indicate to the user that the radar gestures are vertical.
[0041] Further, the IMA manager 106 may also be able to detect a
change in an orientation of the electronic device 102 with respect
to the user 112. For example, the user 112 may rotate the device
from a vertical to a horizontal orientation to watch a video or
from a horizontal to a vertical orientation to read an article.
Based on the change in orientation, the IMA manager 106 can cause
the display 114 to present the input-mode notification 118 on a
different edge of the active display. This different edge can
maintain an orientation and location of the input-mode notification
118 with respect to the user 112 (e.g., the input-mode notification
118 moves or relocates as the orientation of the user to the device
changes). Thus, if the input-mode notification 118 is positioned on
a top edge of the display 114 and the user 112 rotates the
electronic device 102, the location of the input-mode notification
118 changes from one edge to another so that it remains on "top"
with reference to the user 112. As noted, the IMA manager 106 also
takes into account the orientation of the content, and these
features can be used in conjunction with each other to present the
input-mode notification 118 on the display 114 at the location
appropriate for the orientation of both the content on the display
114 and the orientation of the display 114 with respect to the user
112.
[0042] In some implementations, the IMA manager 106 can determine
that the gesture-subscribed application that is operating on the
electronic device 102 is operating in an immersive mode, such as a
full-screen mode without any presented controls. In response to
this determination, the IMA manager can cause the display 114 to
periodically present the input-mode notification 118. For example,
the display 114 can present the input-mode notification 118 for a
presentation time duration and then stop presenting the input-mode
notification 118 for a non-presentation time duration. Both the
presentation time duration and the non-presentation time duration
may be predetermined or selectable. In some cases, the time
durations may be user-selectable (e.g., by the user 112) or
selected by the IMA manager 106 based on various factors, such as
the type of gesture-subscribed application running in the immersive
mode (e.g., a game or a streaming media player), the status of the
gesture-subscribed application, or the frequency with which the
user employs a radar gesture.
[0043] In some implementations, the input-mode notification 118 may
fade or disappear entirely when the user 112 interacts with the
electronic device 102 using input other than a radar gesture (e.g.,
a touch or voice input). For example, while a gesture-subscribed
application is operating on the electronic device 102, the user may
decide to start another application using a touch command, press a
power actuator, or press a lock control (or button). In this case,
the input-mode notification 118 may fade or disappear when the user
picks up the electronic device 102 or touches the display 114. When
the user stops touching the display 114 or puts down the electronic
device 102, the input-mode notification 118 reappears (or
brightens) if one or more gesture-subscribed applications are
operating on the electronic device 102. The input-mode notification
118 may reappear or brighten immediately when the touch or voice
input ends, or after a selectable time duration. Similarly, when
the gesture-subscribed application is an application that provides
an alert or notification, the input-mode notification 118 appears
when an alert or notification is displayed, such as when a calendar
reminder is displayed. When the user 112 interacts with the alert
or notification using a radar gesture (e.g., dismisses or resets
the alert or notification), the input-mode notification 118
disappears, unless other gesture-subscribed apps are running.
[0044] The input-mode notification 118 may be presented while the
electronic device 102 is in a locked state or an unlocked state.
For example, the electronic device 102 may present the input-mode
notification 118 (to indicate that a gesture-subscribed application
is running) when a user is nearby (e.g., within the threshold
distance), but not authenticated, or when an authenticated user is
nearby. The locked and unlocked states refer to a level of access
to the electronic device 102. A locked state may be a state in
which no user in authenticated and anyone using the device will
have less than full rights or access (e.g., no access or rights, or
limited access or rights). Examples of the locked state may include
the aware and engaged modes of the electronic device 102 as
described herein. Similarly, an unlocked state can be a state in
which at least one user is authenticated and that user has full
rights and/or access to the device. An example of the unlocked
state is the active mode of the electronic device 102, as described
herein. In some cases, the locked or unlocked state may have
varying characteristics, depending on the type, configuration, or
status (e.g., a battery level or a connectivity status) of the
electronic device 102. Accordingly, characteristics of the locked
and unlocked states for different devices or for the same device in
different contexts may overlap, or include similar features,
depending on those factors.
[0045] Additionally or alternatively, the IMA manager 106 may cause
the display 114 to present or not present the input-mode
notification 118, based on an operational state, a screen state, a
power state, or a functional mode of the electronic device 102,
such as the dormant mode, aware mode, engaged mode, or the active
mode. For example, in the dormant mode or another mode or state in
which the user may interact with the electronic device less
frequently, or in which the input-mode notification 118 will be
presented for longer durations without changing or being hidden,
there is an increased risk of screen burn-in (e.g., leaving a ghost
image where the input-mode notification 118 is presented because
infrequent interaction means the input-mode notification 118
remains in the same place). In these situations, the input-mode
notification 118 may be presented at a location that changes over
time (e.g., the location shifts over time to avoid being presented
at one location for long periods of time).
[0046] In some cases, the input-mode notification 118 may also or
instead be presented and hidden in intervals that can help prevent
screen burn-in. The intervals may be any appropriate duration for
the type of display, such as one second, three seconds, five
seconds, and so forth. Similarly, when the electronic device 102 is
in a mode or state in which there is frequent interaction of
different types or modes (e.g., touch, voice, and radar gesture),
the input-mode notification 118 may be presented for longer
durations because there is less risk of screen burn in because the
user's interactions inherently cause the IMA manager 106 to show
and hide the input-mode notification 118.
[0047] In more detail, consider FIG. 2, which illustrates an
example implementation 200 of the electronic device 102 (including
the radar system 104, the IMA manager 106, the non-radar sensor
108, the display 114, and the application manager 116) that can
implement input-mode notification for a multi-input mode. The
electronic device 102 of FIG. 2 is illustrated with a variety of
example devices, including a smartphone 102-1, a tablet 102-2, a
laptop 102-3, a desktop computer 102-4, a computing watch 102-5, a
gaming system 102-6, computing spectacles 102-7, a home-automation
and control system 102-8, a smart refrigerator 102-9, and an
automobile 102-10. The electronic device 102 can also include other
devices, such as televisions, entertainment systems, audio systems,
drones, track pads, drawing pads, netbooks, e-readers, home
security systems, and other home appliances. Note that the
electronic device 102 can be wearable, non-wearable but mobile, or
relatively immobile (e.g., desktops and appliances).
[0048] In some implementations, exemplary overall lateral
dimensions of the electronic device 102 can be approximately eight
centimeters by approximately fifteen centimeters. Exemplary
footprints of the radar system 104 can be even more limited, such
as approximately four millimeters by six millimeters with antennas
included. This requirement for such a limited footprint for the
radar system 104 is to accommodate the many other desirable
features of the electronic device 102 in such a space-limited
package (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, the non-radar sensor 108, and
so forth). Combined with power and processing limitations, this
size requirement can lead to compromises in the accuracy and
efficacy of radar gesture detection, at least some of which can be
overcome in view of the teachings herein.
[0049] The electronic device 102 also includes one or more computer
processors 202 and one or more computer-readable media 204, which
includes memory media and storage media. Applications and/or an
operating system (not shown) implemented as computer-readable
instructions on the computer-readable media 204 can be executed by
the computer processors 202 to provide some or all of the
functionalities described herein. For example, the processors 202
can be used execute instructions on the computer-readable media 204
to implement the radar-based input-mode availability manager 106
and/or the application manager 116. The electronic device 102 may
also include a network interface 206. The electronic device 102 can
use the network interface 206 for communicating data over wired,
wireless, or optical networks. By way of example and not
limitation, the network interface 206 may communicate data over a
local-area-network (LAN), a wireless local-area-network (WLAN), a
personal-area-network (PAN), a wide-area-network (WAN), an
intranet, the Internet, a peer-to-peer network, point-to-point
network, or a mesh network.
[0050] Various implementations of the radar system 104 can include
a System-on-Chip (SoC), one or more Integrated Circuits (ICs), a
processor with embedded processor instructions or configured to
access processor instructions stored in memory, hardware with
embedded firmware, a printed circuit board with various hardware
components, or any combination thereof The radar system 104 can
operate as a monostatic radar by transmitting and receiving its own
radar signals.
[0051] In some implementations, the radar system 104 may also
cooperate with other radar systems 104 that are within an external
environment to implement a bistatic radar, a multistatic radar, or
a network radar. Constraints or limitations of the electronic
device 102, however, may impact a design of the radar system 104.
The electronic device 102, for example, may have limited power
available to operate the radar, limited computational capability,
size constraints, layout restrictions, an exterior housing that
attenuates or distorts radar signals, and so forth. The radar
system 104 includes several features that enable advanced radar
functionality and high performance to be realized in the presence
of these constraints, as further described below with respect to
FIG. 3. Note that in FIG. 2, the radar system 104 and the IMA
manager 106 are illustrated as part of the electronic device 102.
In other implementations, either or both of the radar system 104
and the IMA manager 106 may be separate or remote from the
electronic device 102.
[0052] These and other capabilities and configurations, as well as
ways in which entities of FIG. 1 act and interact, are set forth in
greater detail below. These entities may be further divided,
combined, and so on. The environment 100 of FIG. 1 and the detailed
illustrations of FIG. 2 through FIG. 16 illustrate some of many
possible environments and devices capable of employing the
described techniques. FIGS. 3-6 describe additional details and
features of the radar system 104. In FIGS. 3-6, the radar system
104 is described in the context of the electronic device 102, but
as noted above, the applicability of the features and advantages of
the described systems and techniques are not necessarily so
limited, and other implementations involving other types of
electronic devices may also be within the scope of the present
teachings.
[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates an example implementation 300 of the
radar system 104 that can be used to enable input-mode notification
for a multi-input mode. In the example 300, the radar system 104
includes at least one of each of the following components: a
communication interface 302, an antenna array 304, a transceiver
306, a processor 308, and a system media 310 (e.g., one or more
computer-readable storage media). The processor 308 can be
implemented as a digital signal processor, a controller, an
application processor, another processor (e.g., the computer
processor 202 of the electronic device 102) or some combination
thereof The system media 310, which may be included within, or be
separate from, the computer-readable media 204 of the electronic
device 102, includes one or more of the following modules: an
attenuation mitigator 314, a digital beamformer 316, an angle
estimator 318, or a power manager 320. These modules can compensate
for, or mitigate the effects of, integrating the radar system 104
within the electronic device 102, thereby enabling the radar system
104 to recognize small or complex gestures, distinguish between
different orientations of the user, continuously monitor an
external environment, or realize a target false-alarm rate. With
these features, the radar system 104 can be implemented within a
variety of different devices, such as the devices illustrated in
FIG. 2.
[0054] Using the communication interface 302, the radar system 104
can provide radar data to the IMA manager 106. The communication
interface 302 may be a wireless or wired interface based on the
radar system 104 being implemented separate from, or integrated
within, the electronic device 102. Depending on the application,
the radar data may include raw or minimally processed data,
in-phase and quadrature (I/Q) data, range-Doppler data, processed
data including target location information (e.g., range, azimuth,
elevation), clutter map data, and so forth. Generally, the radar
data contains information that is usable by the IMA manager 106 for
input-mode notification for a multi-input mode.
[0055] The antenna array 304 includes at least one transmitting
antenna element (not shown) and at least two receiving antenna
elements (as shown in FIG. 4). In some cases, the antenna array 304
may include multiple transmitting antenna elements to implement a
multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar capable of transmitting
multiple distinct waveforms at a time (e.g., a different waveform
per transmitting antenna element). The use of multiple waveforms
can increase a measurement accuracy of the radar system 104. The
receiving antenna elements can be positioned in a one-dimensional
shape (e.g., a line) or a two-dimensional shape for implementations
that include three or more receiving antenna elements. The
one-dimensional shape enables the radar system 104 to measure one
angular dimension (e.g., an azimuth or an elevation) while the
two-dimensional shape enables two angular dimensions to be measured
(e.g., both azimuth and elevation). Example two-dimensional
arrangements of the receiving antenna elements are further
described with respect to FIG. 4.
[0056] FIG. 4 illustrates example arrangements 400 of receiving
antenna elements 402. If the antenna array 304 includes at least
four receiving antenna elements 402, for example, the receiving
antenna elements 402 can be arranged in a rectangular arrangement
404-1 as depicted in the middle of FIG. 4. Alternatively, a
triangular arrangement 404-2 or an L-shape arrangement 404-3 may be
used if the antenna array 304 includes at least three receiving
antenna elements 402.
[0057] Due to a size or layout constraint of the electronic device
102, an element spacing between the receiving antenna elements 402
or a quantity of the receiving antenna elements 402 may not be
ideal for the angles at which the radar system 104 is to monitor.
In particular, the element spacing may cause angular ambiguities to
be present that make it challenging for conventional radars to
estimate an angular position of a target. Conventional radars may
therefore limit a field of view (e.g., angles that are to be
monitored) to avoid an ambiguous zone, which has the angular
ambiguities, and thereby reduce false detections. For example,
conventional radars may limit the field of view to angles between
approximately -45 degrees to 45 degrees to avoid angular
ambiguities that occur using a wavelength of 5 millimeters (mm) and
an element spacing of 3.5 mm (e.g., the element spacing being 70%
of the wavelength). Consequently, the conventional radar may be
unable to detect targets that are beyond the 45-degree limits of
the field of view. In contrast, the radar system 104 includes the
digital beamformer 316 and the angle estimator 318, which resolve
the angular ambiguities and enable the radar system 104 to monitor
angles beyond the 45-degree limit, such as angles between
approximately -90 degrees to 90 degrees, or up to approximately
-180 degrees and 180 degrees. These angular ranges can be applied
across one or more directions (e.g., azimuth and/or elevation).
Accordingly, the radar system 104 can realize low false-alarm rates
for a variety of different antenna array designs, including element
spacings that are less than, greater than, or equal to half a
center wavelength of the radar signal.
[0058] Using the antenna array 304, the radar system 104 can form
beams that are steered or un-steered, wide or narrow, or shaped
(e.g., as a hemisphere, cube, fan, cone, or cylinder). As an
example, the one or more transmitting antenna elements (not shown)
may have an un-steered omnidirectional radiation pattern or may be
able to produce a wide beam, such as the wide transmit beam 406.
Either of these techniques enable the radar system 104 to
illuminate a large volume of space. To achieve target angular
accuracies and angular resolutions, however, the receiving antenna
elements 402 and the digital beamformer 316 can be used to generate
thousands of narrow and steered beams (e.g., 2000 beams, 4000
beams, or 6000 beams), such as the narrow receive beam 408. In this
way, the radar system 104 can efficiently monitor the external
environment and accurately determine arrival angles of reflections
within the external environment.
[0059] Returning to FIG. 3, the transceiver 306 includes circuitry
and logic for transmitting and receiving radar signals via the
antenna array 304. Components of the transceiver 306 can include
amplifiers, mixers, switches, analog-to-digital converters,
filters, and so forth for conditioning the radar signals. The
transceiver 306 can also include logic to perform
in-phase/quadrature (I/Q) operations, such as modulation or
demodulation. The transceiver 306 can be configured for continuous
wave radar operations or pulsed radar operations. A variety of
modulations can be used to produce the radar signals, including
linear frequency modulations, triangular frequency modulations,
stepped frequency modulations, or phase modulations.
[0060] The transceiver 306 can generate radar signals within a
range of frequencies (e.g., a frequency spectrum), such as between
1 gigahertz (GHz) and 400 GHz, between 4 GHz and 100 GHz, or
between 57 GHz and 63 GHz. The frequency spectrum can be divided
into multiple sub-spectra that have a similar bandwidth or
different bandwidths. The bandwidths can be on the order of 500
megahertz (MHz), 1 GHz, 2 GHz, and so forth. As an example,
different frequency sub-spectra may include frequencies between
approximately 57 GHz and 59 GHz, 59 GHz and 61 GHz, or 61 GHz and
63 GHz. Multiple frequency sub-spectra that have a same bandwidth
and may be contiguous or non-contiguous may also be chosen for
coherence. The multiple frequency sub-spectra can be transmitted
simultaneously or separated in time using a single radar signal or
multiple radar signals. The contiguous frequency sub-spectra enable
the radar signal to have a wider bandwidth while the non-contiguous
frequency sub-spectra can further emphasize amplitude and phase
differences that enable the angle estimator 318 to resolve angular
ambiguities. The attenuation mitigator 314 or the angle estimator
318 may cause the transceiver 306 to utilize one or more frequency
sub-spectra to improve performance of the radar system 104, as
further described with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0061] A power manager 320 enables the radar system 104 to conserve
power internally or externally within the electronic device 102. In
some implementations, the power manager 320 communicates with the
IMA manager 106 to conserve power within either or both of the
radar system 104 or the electronic device 102. Internally, for
example, the power manager 320 can cause the radar system 104 to
collect data using a predefined power mode or a specific
gesture-frame update rate. The gesture-frame update rate represents
how often the radar system 104 actively monitors the external
environment by transmitting and receiving one or more radar
signals. Generally speaking, the power consumption is proportional
to the gesture-frame update rate. As such, higher gesture-frame
update rates result in larger amounts of power being consumed by
the radar system 104.
[0062] Each predefined power mode can be associated with a
particular framing structure, a particular transmit power level, or
particular hardware (e.g., a low-power processor or a high-power
processor). Adjusting one or more of these affects the radar
system's 104 power consumption. Reducing power consumption,
however, affects performance, such as the gesture-frame update rate
and response delay. In this case, the power manager 320 dynamically
switches between different power modes such that gesture-frame
update rate, response delay and power consumption are managed
together based on the activity within the environment. In general,
the power manager 320 determines when and how power can be
conserved, and incrementally adjusts power consumption to enable
the radar system 104 to operate within power limitations of the
electronic device 102. In some cases, the power manager 320 may
monitor an amount of available power remaining and adjust
operations of the radar system 104 accordingly. For example, if the
remaining amount of power is low, the power manager 320 may
continue operating in a lower-power mode instead of switching to a
higher-power mode.
[0063] The lower-power mode, for example, may use a lower
gesture-frame update rate on the order of a few hertz (e.g.,
approximately 1 Hz or less than 5 Hz), and consume power on the
order of a few milliwatts (mW) (e.g., between approximately 2 mW
and 4 mW). The higher-power mode, on the other hand, may use a
higher gesture-frame update rate on the order of tens of hertz (Hz)
(e.g., approximately 20 Hz or greater than 10 Hz), which causes the
radar system 104 to consume power on the order of several
milliwatts (e.g., between approximately 6 mW and 20 mW). While the
lower-power mode can be used to monitor the external environment or
detect an approaching user, the power manager 320 may switch to the
higher-power mode if the radar system 104 determines the user is
starting to perform a gesture. Different triggers may cause the
power manager 320 to dynamically switch between the different power
modes. Example triggers include motion or the lack of motion,
appearance or disappearance of the user, the user moving into or
out of a designated region (e.g., a region defined by range,
azimuth, or elevation), a change in velocity of a motion associated
with the user, or a change in reflected signal strength (e.g., due
to changes in radar cross section). In general, the triggers that
indicate a lower probability of the user interacting with the
electronic device 102 or a preference to collect data using a
longer response delay may cause a lower-power mode to be activated
to conserve power.
[0064] Each power mode can be associated with a particular framing
structure. The framing structure specifies a configuration,
scheduling, and signal characteristics associated with the
transmission and reception of the radar signals. In general, the
framing structure is set up such that the appropriate radar data
can be collected based on the external environment. The framing
structure can be customized to facilitate collection of different
types of radar data for different applications (e.g., proximity
detection, feature recognition, or gesture recognition). During
inactive times throughout each level of the framing structure, the
power manager 320 can turn off the components within the
transceiver 306 in FIG. 3 to conserve power. The framing structure
enables power to be conserved through adjustable duty cycles within
each frame type. For example, a first duty cycle can be based on a
quantity of active feature frames relative to a total quantity of
feature frames. A second duty cycle can be based on a quantity of
active radar frames relative to a total quantity of radar frames. A
third duty cycle can be based on a duration of the radar signal
relative to a duration of a radar frame.
[0065] Consider an example framing structure (not illustrated) for
the lower-power mode that consumes approximately 2 mW of power and
has a gesture-frame update rate between approximately 1 Hz and 4
Hz. In this example, the framing structure includes a gesture frame
with a duration between approximately 250 ms and 1 second. The
gesture frame includes thirty-one pulse-mode feature frames. One of
the thirty-one pulse-mode feature frames is in the active state.
This results in the duty cycle being approximately equal to 3.2%. A
duration of each pulse-mode feature frame is between approximately
8 ms and 32 ms. Each pulse-mode feature frame is composed of eight
radar frames. Within the active pulse-mode feature frame, all eight
radar frames are in the active state. This results in the duty
cycle being equal to 100%. A duration of each radar frame is
between approximately 1 ms and 4 ms. An active time within each of
the active radar frames is between approximately 32 .mu.s and 128
.mu.s. As such, the resulting duty cycle is approximately 3.2%.
This example framing structure has been found to yield good
performance results. These good performance results are in terms of
good gesture recognition and presence detection while also yielding
good power efficiency results in the application context of a
handheld smartphone in a low-power state. Based on this example
framing structure, the power manager 320 can determine a time for
which the radar system 104 is not actively collecting radar data.
Based on this inactive time period, the power manager 320 can
conserve power by adjusting an operational state of the radar
system 104 and turning off one or more components of the
transceiver 306, as further described below.
[0066] The power manager 320 can also conserve power by turning off
one or more components within the transceiver 306 (e.g., a
voltage-controlled oscillator, a multiplexer, an analog-to-digital
converter, a phase lock loop, or a crystal oscillator) during
inactive time periods. These inactive time periods occur if the
radar system 104 is not actively transmitting or receiving radar
signals, which may be on the order of microseconds (.mu.s),
milliseconds (ms), or seconds (s). Further, the power manager 320
can modify transmission power of the radar signals by adjusting an
amount of amplification provided by a signal amplifier.
Additionally, the power manager 320 can control the use of
different hardware components within the radar system 104 to
conserve power. If the processor 308 comprises a lower-power
processor and a higher-power processor (e.g., processors with
different amounts of memory and computational capability), for
example, the power manager 320 can switch between utilizing the
lower-power processor for low-level analysis (e.g., implementing
the idle mode, detecting motion, determining a location of a user,
or monitoring the environment) and the higher-power processor for
situations in which high-fidelity or accurate radar data is
requested by the IMA manager 106 (e.g., for implementing the aware
mode, the engaged mode, or the active mode, gesture recognition or
user orientation).
[0067] Further, the power manager 320 can determine a context of
the environment around the electronic device 102. From that
context, the power manager 320 can determine which power states are
to be made available and how they are configured. For example, if
the electronic device 102 is in a user's pocket, then although the
user 112 is detected as being proximate to the electronic device
102, there is no need for the radar system 104 to operate in the
higher-power mode with a high gesture-frame update rate.
Accordingly, the power manager 320 can cause the radar system 104
to remain in the lower-power mode, even though the user is detected
as being proximate to the electronic device 102, and cause the
display 114 to remain in an off or other lower-power state. The
electronic device 102 can determine the context of its environment
using any suitable non-radar sensor 108 (e.g., gyroscope,
accelerometer, light sensor, proximity sensor, capacitance sensor,
and so on) in combination with the radar system 104. The context
may include time of day, calendar day, lightness/darkness, number
of users near the user 112, surrounding noise level, speed of
movement of surrounding objects (including the user 112) relative
to the electronic device 102, and so forth).
[0068] FIG. 5 illustrates additional details of an example
implementation 500 of the radar system 104 within the electronic
device 102. In the example 500, the antenna array 304 is positioned
underneath an exterior housing of the electronic device 102, such
as a glass cover or an external case. Depending on its material
properties, the exterior housing may act as an attenuator 502,
which attenuates or distorts radar signals that are transmitted and
received by the radar system 104. The attenuator 502 may include
different types of glass or plastics, some of which may be found
within display screens, exterior housings, or other components of
the electronic device 102 and have a dielectric constant (e.g.,
relative permittivity) between approximately four and ten.
Accordingly, the attenuator 502 is opaque or semi-transparent to a
radar signal 506 and may cause a portion of a transmitted or
received radar signal 506 to be reflected (as shown by a reflected
portion 504). For conventional radars, the attenuator 502 may
decrease an effective range that can be monitored, prevent small
targets from being detected, or reduce overall accuracy.
[0069] Assuming a transmit power of the radar system 104 is
limited, and re-designing the exterior housing is not desirable,
one or more attenuation-dependent properties of the radar signal
506 (e.g., a frequency sub-spectrum 508 or a steering angle 510) or
attenuation-dependent characteristics of the attenuator 502 (e.g.,
a distance 512 between the attenuator 502 and the radar system 104
or a thickness 514 of the attenuator 502) are adjusted to mitigate
the effects of the attenuator 502. Some of these characteristics
can be set during manufacturing or adjusted by the attenuation
mitigator 314 during operation of the radar system 104. The
attenuation mitigator 314, for example, can cause the transceiver
306 to transmit the radar signal 506 using the selected frequency
sub-spectrum 508 or the steering angle 510, cause a platform to
move the radar system 104 closer or farther from the attenuator 502
to change the distance 512, or prompt the user to apply another
attenuator to increase the thickness 514 of the attenuator 502.
[0070] Appropriate adjustments can be made by the attenuation
mitigator 314 based on pre-determined characteristics of the
attenuator 502 (e.g., characteristics stored in the
computer-readable media 204 of the electronic device 102 or within
the system media 310) or by processing returns of the radar signal
506 to measure one or more characteristics of the attenuator 502.
Even if some of the attenuation-dependent characteristics are fixed
or constrained, the attenuation mitigator 314 can take these
limitations into account to balance each parameter and achieve a
target radar performance. As a result, the attenuation mitigator
314 enables the radar system 104 to realize enhanced accuracy and
larger effective ranges for detecting and tracking the user that is
located on an opposite side of the attenuator 502. These techniques
provide alternatives to increasing transmit power, which increases
power consumption of the radar system 104, or changing material
properties of the attenuator 502, which can be difficult and
expensive once a device is in production.
[0071] FIG. 6 illustrates an example scheme 600 implemented by the
radar system 104. Portions of the scheme 600 may be performed by
the processor 308, the computer processors 202, or other hardware
circuitry. The scheme 600 can be customized to support different
types of electronic devices and radar-based applications (e.g., the
IMA manager 106), and also enables the radar system 104 to achieve
target angular accuracies despite design constraints.
[0072] The transceiver 306 produces raw data 602 based on
individual responses of the receiving antenna elements 402 to a
received radar signal. The received radar signal may be associated
with one or more frequency sub-spectra 604 that were selected by
the angle estimator 318 to facilitate angular ambiguity resolution.
The frequency sub-spectra 604, for example, may be chosen to reduce
a quantity of sidelobes or reduce an amplitude of the sidelobes
(e.g., reduce the amplitude by 0.5 dB, 1 dB, or more). A quantity
of frequency sub-spectra can be determined based on a target
angular accuracy or computational limitations of the radar system
104.
[0073] The raw data 602 contains digital information (e.g.,
in-phase and quadrature data) for a period of time, different
wavenumbers, and multiple channels respectively associated with the
receiving antenna elements 402. A Fast-Fourier Transform (FFT) 606
is performed on the raw data 602 to generate pre-processed data
608. The pre-processed data 608 includes digital information across
the period of time, for different ranges (e.g., range bins), and
for the multiple channels. A Doppler filtering process 610 is
performed on the pre-processed data 608 to generate range-Doppler
data 612. The Doppler filtering process 610 may comprise another
FFT that generates amplitude and phase information for multiple
range bins, multiple Doppler frequencies, and for the multiple
channels. The digital beamformer 316 produces beamforming data 614
based on the range-Doppler data 612. The beamforming data 614
contains digital information for a set of azimuths and/or
elevations, which represents the field of view for which different
steering angles or beams are formed by the digital beamformer 316.
Although not depicted, the digital beamformer 316 may alternatively
generate the beamforming data 614 based on the pre-processed data
608 and the Doppler filtering process 610 may generate the
range-Doppler data 612 based on the beamforming data 614. To reduce
a quantity of computations, the digital beamformer 316 may process
a portion of the range-Doppler data 612 or the pre-processed data
608 based on a range, time, or Doppler frequency interval of
interest.
[0074] The digital beamformer 316 can be implemented using a
single-look beamformer 616, a multi-look interferometer 618, or a
multi-look beamformer 620. In general, the single-look beamformer
616 can be used for deterministic objects (e.g., point-source
targets having a single phase center). For non-deterministic
targets (e.g., targets having multiple phase centers), the
multi-look interferometer 618 or the multi-look beamformer 620 are
used to improve accuracies relative to the single-look beamformer
616. Humans are an example of a non-deterministic target and have
multiple phase centers 622 that can change based on different
aspect angles, as shown at 624-1 and 624-2. Variations in the
constructive or destructive interference generated by the multiple
phase centers 622 can make it challenging for conventional radars
to accurately determine angular positions. The multi-look
interferometer 618 or the multi-look beamformer 620, however,
perform coherent averaging to increase an accuracy of the
beamforming data 614. The multi-look interferometer 618 coherently
averages two channels to generate phase information that can be
used to accurately determine the angular information. The
multi-look beamformer 620, on the other hand, can coherently
average two or more channels using linear or non-linear
beamformers, such as Fourier, Capon, multiple signal classification
(MUSIC), or minimum variance distortion less response (MVDR). The
increased accuracies provided via the multi-look beamformer 620 or
the multi-look interferometer 618 enable the radar system 104 to
recognize small gestures or distinguish between multiple portions
of the user.
[0075] The angle estimator 318 analyzes the beamforming data 614 to
estimate one or more angular positions. The angle estimator 318 may
utilize signal-processing techniques, pattern-matching techniques,
or machine-learning. The angle estimator 318 also resolves angular
ambiguities that may result from a design of the radar system 104
or the field of view the radar system 104 monitors. An example
angular ambiguity is shown within an amplitude plot 626 (e.g.,
amplitude response).
[0076] The amplitude plot 626 depicts amplitude differences that
can occur for different angular positions of the target and for
different steering angles 510. A first amplitude response 628-1
(illustrated with a solid line) is shown for a target positioned at
a first angular position 630-1. Likewise, a second amplitude
response 628-2 (illustrated with a dotted-line) is shown for the
target positioned at a second angular position 630-2. In this
example, the differences are considered across angles between -180
degrees and 180 degrees.
[0077] As shown in the amplitude plot 626, an ambiguous zone exists
for the two angular positions 630-1 and 630-2. The first amplitude
response 628-1 has a highest peak at the first angular position
630-1 and a lesser peak at the second angular position 630-2. While
the highest peak corresponds to the actual position of the target,
the lesser peak causes the first angular position 630-1 to be
ambiguous because it is within some threshold for which
conventional radars may be unable to confidently determine whether
the target is at the first angular position 630-1 or the second
angular position 630-2. In contrast, the second amplitude response
628-2 has a lesser peak at the second angular position 630-2 and a
higher peak at the first angular position 630-1. In this case, the
lesser peak corresponds to the target's location.
[0078] While conventional radars may be limited to using a highest
peak amplitude to determine the angular positions, the angle
estimator 318 instead analyzes subtle differences in shapes of the
amplitude responses 628-1 and 628-2. Characteristics of the shapes
can include, for example, roll-offs, peak or null widths, an
angular location of the peaks or nulls, a height or depth of the
peaks and nulls, shapes of sidelobes, symmetry within the amplitude
response 628-1 or 628-2, or the lack of symmetry within the
amplitude response 628-1 or 628-2. Similar shape characteristics
can be analyzed in a phase response, which can provide additional
information for resolving the angular ambiguity. The angle
estimator 318 therefore maps the unique angular signature or
pattern to an angular position.
[0079] The angle estimator 318 can include a suite of algorithms or
tools that can be selected according to the type of electronic
device 102 (e.g., computational capability or power constraints) or
a target angular resolution for the IMA manager 106. In some
implementations, the angle estimator 318 can include a neural
network 632, a convolutional neural network (CNN) 634, or a long
short-term memory (LSTM) network 636. The neural network 632 can
have various depths or quantities of hidden layers (e.g., three
hidden layers, five hidden layers, or ten hidden layers) and can
also include different quantities of connections (e.g., the neural
network 632 can comprise a fully-connected neural network or a
partially-connected neural network). In some cases, the CNN 634 can
be used to increase computational speed of the angle estimator 318.
The LSTM network 636 can be used to enable the angle estimator 318
to track the target. Using machine-learning techniques, the angle
estimator 318 employs non-linear functions to analyze the shape of
the amplitude response 628-1 or 628-2 and generate angular
probability data 638, which indicates a likelihood that the user or
a portion of the user is within an angular bin. The angle estimator
318 may provide the angular probability data 638 for a few angular
bins, such as two angular bins to provide probabilities of a target
being to the left or right of the electronic device 102, or for
thousands of angular bins (e.g., to provide the angular probability
data 638 for a continuous angular measurement).
[0080] Based on the angular probability data 638, a tracker module
640 produces angular position data 642, which identifies an angular
location of the target. The tracker module 640 may determine the
angular location of the target based on the angular bin that has a
highest probability in the angular probability data 638 or based on
prediction information (e.g., previously-measured angular position
information). The tracker module 640 may also keep track of one or
more moving targets to enable the radar system 104 to confidently
distinguish or identify the targets. Other data can also be used to
determine the angular position, including range, Doppler, velocity,
or acceleration. In some cases, the tracker module 640 can include
an alpha-beta tracker, a Kalman filter, a multiple hypothesis
tracker (MHT), and so forth.
[0081] A quantizer module 644 obtains the angular position data 642
and quantizes the data to produce quantized angular position data
646. The quantization can be performed based on a target angular
resolution for the IMA manager 106. In some situations, fewer
quantization levels can be used such that the quantized angular
position data 646 indicates whether the target is to the right or
to the left of the electronic device 102 or identifies a 90-degree
quadrant the target is located within. This may be sufficient for
some radar-based applications, such as user proximity detection. In
other situations, a larger number of quantization levels can be
used such that the quantized angular position data 646 indicates an
angular position of the target within an accuracy of a fraction of
a degree, one degree, five degrees, and so forth. This resolution
can be used for higher-resolution radar-based applications, such as
gesture recognition, or in implementations of the recognition zone,
aware mode, engaged mode, or active mode as described herein. In
some implementations, the digital beamformer 316, the angle
estimator 318, the tracker module 640, and the quantizer module 644
are together implemented in a single machine-learning module.
[0082] These and other capabilities and configurations, as well as
ways in which entities of FIG. 1-6 act and interact, are set forth
below. The described entities may be further divided, combined,
used along with other sensors or components, and so on. In this
way, different implementations of the electronic device 102, with
different configurations of the radar system 104 and non-radar
sensors, can be used to implement the input-mode notification for a
multi-input mode. The example operating environment 100 of FIG. 1
and the detailed illustrations of FIGS. 2-6 illustrate but some of
many possible environments and devices capable of employing the
described techniques.
EXAMPLE METHODS
[0083] FIG. 7 depicts example method 700, which enables an
input-mode notification for a multi-input mode. The method 700 can
be performed with an electronic device that includes, or is
associated with, a display and a radar system that can provide a
radar field. The radar system and radar field can provide radar
data, based on reflections of the radar field from objects in the
radar field, such as a user of the electronic device. For example,
the radar data may be generated by, and/or received through, the
radar system 104, as described with reference to FIG. 1. The radar
data is used to determine interactions of the user with the
electronic device, such as a presence of the user in the radar
field, gestures made by the user in the radar field, and movement
of the user relative to the electronic device. Based on the
determination of the user's presence, movements, and gestures, the
electronic device can enter and exit different modes of
functionality and present different visual elements on the display.
The visual elements provide feedback to the user to indicate the
user's posture with respect to the device, the availability of
different functionalities for the electronic device, and the user's
interactions with the electronic device. Additional examples of the
visual elements are described with respect to FIGS. 8-13.
[0084] The method 700 is shown as a set of blocks that specify
operations performed but are not necessarily limited to the order
or combinations shown for performing the operations by the
respective blocks. Further, any of one or more of the operations
may be repeated, combined, reorganized, or linked to provide a wide
array of additional and/or alternate methods. In portions of the
following discussion, reference may be made to the example
operating environment 100 of FIG. 1 or to entities or processes as
detailed in FIGS. 2-6, reference to which is made for example only.
The techniques are not limited to performance by one entity or
multiple entities operating on one device.
[0085] At 702, it is determined that an application operating on
the electronic device has a capability to receive radar gesture
input. The radar gesture input (sometimes referred to as a radar
gesture) is defined by radar data that is generated by a radar
system. For example, an application manager, such as the IMA
manager 106 or the application manager 116, can determine that an
application operating on the electronic device (e.g., the
electronic device 102) has a capability to receive radar gesture
input (e.g., a gesture-subscribed application). The radar data on
which the radar gesture input is based may be generated by, and/or
received through, the radar system 104, as described with reference
to FIG. 1.
[0086] At 704, it is determined, based on one or more subsets of
the radar data, that a user is within a threshold distance of the
electronic device. For example, the IMA manager 106 or the radar
system 104 can use the radar data from the radar system 104 to
determine that the user 112 is within a threshold distance of the
electronic device 102 (e.g., within six inches or within one,
three, five, seven, ten, or fourteen feet), or within a recognition
zone, as described with reference to FIG. 1.
[0087] At 706, in response to determining that the application
operating on the electronic device is a gesture-subscribed
application and that the user is within the threshold distance of
the electronic device, an input-mode notification is provided on a
display of the electronic device. Generally, the input-mode
notification is a user-perceivable element, such as a visual
element that appears on an active area of the display to indicate
that the user may use radar gestures to interact with the
gesture-subscribed application. For example, the IMA manager 106
can cause the display 114 to present an input-mode notification
118.
[0088] As described with reference to FIG. 1, the input-mode
notification may be provided along an edge of the display, as
described with reference to FIG. 1, and may take any of a variety
of shapes, sizes, colors, and other visual parameters or properties
(e.g., luminosity, color, contrast, shape, saturation, blur, or
opaqueness). In some cases, the visual element may be a portion of
the active area of the display that has a luminosity or other
visual property that is different from a luminosity or other visual
property of the display, has a side that is parallel and/or
adjacent to the edge of the active area of the display, and has a
shape that extends from the edge of the active area of the display.
In some cases, the luminosity of the shape that extends from the
edge of the active area of the display varies as the shape extends
across a distance from the edge of the active area of the display.
In other implementations, the input-mode notification may appear at
a location on the display that is not an edge (e.g., the input-mode
notification may be presented in an interior region of the display
114 and not be adjacent to or touch an edge of the display).
[0089] The color of the input-mode notification may be any suitable
color that can be visually differentiated from the background of
the display on which it is presented. The color may change based on
any of a variety of factors, as described with reference to FIG. 1.
In some implementations, a component of the electronic device, such
as the IMA manager 106, can determine a background color of a
region of the display on which the input-mode notification is
displayed. In response to determining the background color, the
input-mode notification may be presented in another color that is
different from the background color, which provides
human-discernable contrast between the input-mode notification and
the background color, as described with reference to FIG. 1. In
some cases, the color of the input-mode notification can be
continuously, automatically, and dynamically adjusted, based on
changes to the background color.
[0090] The input-mode notification may also or instead appear, at
least in part, as a brief animation. For example, the input-mode
notification may appear at the edge of the active display and then
grow or shrink before taking on a default appearance. Similarly,
the color, luminosity, or shape may change as the input-mode
notification appears or disappears (e.g., if the gesture-subscribed
application stops operating) before taking on the default
appearance. Further, the input-mode notification may be an image
that appears on the display, rather than an element that appears in
a region of the display. The image may have visual parameters or
properties that are different from the parameters or properties of
an ambient background of the display, such as luminosity, color,
contrast, shape, saturation, blur, opaqueness and so forth. In
other cases, the ambient background may be an image, and the
input-mode notification is the same image, with different visual
parameters or properties, such as luminosity, color, contrast,
shape, saturation, blur, opaqueness, and so forth. In this way, the
input-mode notification can improve the user's experience by
communicating to the user that a gesture-subscribed application is
operating on the electronic device.
[0091] In some implementations of the method 700, the location of
the input-mode notification may be determined based on an
orientation of content on the display and/or a direction of the
radar gesture input that is used to interact with the content. For
example, a component of the electronic device, such as the IMA
manager 106, may obtain the orientation of the content on the
display (e.g., from the application manager 116). Based on the
orientation of the content, the display can determine the direction
of the radar gesture input that can be used to interact with the
content and provide the input-mode notification at a particular
edge of the active area of the display that corresponds to the
direction of the radar gesture input. Thus, as described with
reference to FIG. 1, if the context of the displayed content is
horizontal, the input-mode notification is displayed at a top or
bottom edge and, if the context of the displayed content is
vertical, the input-mode notification is displayed at a side
edge.
[0092] Further, a change in an orientation of the electronic device
with respect to the user may be detected and, based on the change
in orientation, the input-mode notification may be provided on a
different edge of the display, in order to maintain the orientation
and location of the input-mode notification with respect to the
user. For example, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the user
112 may rotate the device from a vertical to a horizontal
orientation to watch a video or from a horizontal to a vertical
orientation to read an article. Based on the change in orientation,
the IMA manager 106 can cause the display 114 to provide the
input-mode notification 118 on a different edge of the active
display, in order to maintain an orientation and location of the
input-mode notification 118 with respect to the user 112. As noted,
the orientation of the content may also be accounted for, and these
features can be used in conjunction with each other to provide the
input-mode notification on the display at the location appropriate
for the orientation of both the content on the display and the
orientation of the display with respect to the user.
[0093] In some cases, it can be determined that the
gesture-subscribed application running on the electronic device is
operating in an immersive mode (e.g., in a full-screen mode without
any presented controls). In response to this determination, the
display can periodically provide the input-mode notification. For
example, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the input-mode
notification can be provided on the display for a presentation time
duration and then stop being provided for a non-presentation time
duration. Both the presentation time duration and the
non-presentation time duration may be predetermined or selectable.
The time durations may be selectable (e.g., by the user 112 or by
the IMA manager 106 based on various factors, such as the type of
gesture-subscribed application running in the immersive mode, the
status of the gesture-subscribed application, or the frequency with
which the user employs a radar gesture).
[0094] The input-mode notification may fade or disappear entirely
when the user interacts with the electronic device using input
other than a radar gesture (e.g., a touch or voice input). For
example, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the user may decide
to start an application using a touch command on the electronic
device (or decide to touch or press a power or lock control), while
a gesture-subscribed application is also running In this case, the
input-mode notification may fade or disappear when the user picks
up the electronic device or touches the display. The input-mode
notification restarts when the user stops touching the display or
puts down the electronic device (if one or more gesture-subscribed
applications are still operating). The input-mode notification may
reappear or brighten immediately when the touch or voice input
ends, or after a selectable default time duration. Similarly, when
the gesture-subscribed application is an application that provides
an alert or notification, the input-mode notification appears when
an alert or notification is displayed and, when the user interacts
with the alert or notification using a radar gesture, the
input-mode notification disappears, unless other gesture-subscribed
apps are running As noted with reference to FIG. 1, the input-mode
notification 118 may be presented at a changing or shifting
location, or be alternately shown and hidden, based on an
operational state, a screen state, a power state, or a functional
mode of the electronic device 102, in order to reduce the risk of
the input-mode notification 118 causing screen burn-in or a ghost
image.
[0095] The input-mode notification can be provided while the
electronic device 102 is in a locked state or an unlocked state.
Thus, the electronic device may provide the input-mode notification
when a user is nearby, whether the user is authenticated or not
authenticated. As described with reference to FIG. 1, the locked
and unlocked states refer to a level of access to the electronic
device. A locked state may be a state in which no user in
authenticated and anyone using the device will have less than full
rights or access (e.g., no access or rights, or limited access or
rights). Examples of the locked state may include the aware and
engaged modes of the electronic device as described herein.
Similarly, an unlocked state can be a state in which at least one
user is authenticated and that user has full rights and/or access
to the device. An example of the unlocked state is the active mode
of the electronic device, as described herein.
[0096] These techniques for an input-mode notification for a
multi-input mode may be more secure than other authentication and
feedback techniques. For example, a user's position, orientation,
or 3D gestures (especially user-defined gestures, micro-gestures,
and posture or position-based gestures) are typically not
duplicable or obtainable by an unauthorized person (unlike, for
example, a password). Further, a radar image of the user (e.g.,
based on the radar data described above), even if it includes the
user's face, does not visually identify the user like a photograph
or video may do. Even so, further to the descriptions above, the
user may be provided with controls allowing the user to make an
election as to both whether and when any of the systems, programs,
managers, modules, or features described in this document may
enable collection of user information (e.g., images of the user,
radar data describing the user, information about a user's social
network, social actions or activities, profession, a user's
preferences, or a user's current location), and whether and when
the user is sent content or communications from a server. In
addition, certain data may be treated in one or more ways before it
is stored or used, so that personally identifiable information is
removed. For example, a user's identity may be treated so that no
personally identifiable information can be determined for the user,
or a user's geographic location may be generalized where location
information is obtained (such as to a city, zip/postal code, or
state level), so that a particular location of a user cannot be
determined. Thus, the user may have control over what information
is collected about the user, how that information is used, and what
information is provided to or about the user.
Example Visual Elements
[0097] As noted, the techniques and systems described herein can
enable the electronic device 102 to provide feedback and
notification to make the user aware of an available radar gesture
input mode and, in some cases, provide additional feedback
regarding the use and results of the radar gestures. The feedback
and notification are provided by one or more user-perceivable
elements, such as visual elements that are presented on the display
114. The techniques and systems can also enable a determination of
the user's absence, presence, and location, which can be used to
provide a more-responsive and more-efficient authentication
process. For example, the techniques enable the electronic device
to anticipate when the user is ready to be authenticated and to
more-accurately determine when to lock the device when the user is
away. The feedback, visual elements, and other features enable
interactions that are more convenient and less frustrating because
the user is aware of the input modes and can be confident about
different ways in which the device can interact and receive input.
FIGS. 8-16 illustrate examples of the electronic device 102 running
a gesture-subscribed application and describe examples of the
visual elements that can be presented on the display to provide
feedback to the user. Examples of the electronic device operating
in multiple different modes and examples of the visual elements
that can be presented on the display in the different modes are
also described.
[0098] Consider FIG. 8, which illustrates generally, at 800, an
example of the input-mode notification 118 that can be used to
indicate that a gesture-subscribed application is running on the
electronic device 102. In FIG. 8, an example display 114-3 is shown
to indicate a state of the electronic device 102 with no
gesture-subscribed application running Another state of the
electronic device 102, in which at least one gesture-subscribed
application is running, is shown on another example display 114-4.
A visual element 802 (e.g., the example input-mode notification
118) at the top of the example display 114-4 indicates that the
electronic device 102 can receive input through radar gestures, as
described above. The visual element 802 is shown as an illuminated
line, but, as noted above, may be presented at another location, at
a different illumination level (e.g., only partially illuminated),
or as another shape or type of element.
[0099] For example, FIG. 9 illustrates generally, at 900, another
example of the input-mode notification 118 that can be used to
indicate that a gesture-subscribed application is running on the
electronic device 102. In FIG. 9, an example display 114-5 is shown
to indicate the state of the electronic device 102 with no
gesture-subscribed application running Another state of the
electronic device 102, in which at least one gesture-subscribed
application is running, is shown on another example display 114-6.
A visual element 902 (e.g., another example input-mode notification
118) at the top of the example display 114-6 indicates that the
electronic device 102 can receive input through radar gestures, as
described above. The visual element 902 is shown as an illuminated
area (e.g., a glowing area). As with the visual element 802, the
visual element 902 could be presented at another location on the
display 114-6, at a different illumination level (e.g.,
more-illuminated or less-illuminated), or as another shape or type
of element. Note that for clarity, no other elements (e.g., time,
date, or application launch icons) are shown on the example
displays 114-3 through 114-6. In other implementations, however,
the visual elements 802 or 902 may be displayed along with other
content on the display. Further, the visual elements 802 or 902 may
be displayed while the electronic device 102 is in the aware mode,
the engaged mode, the active mode, or another mode.
[0100] In some implementations, the electronic device 102 can also
provide more-detailed visual feedback that is related to the
availability of radar gestures. For example, the IMA manager 106
may cause the display 114 to present other visual elements that
provide feedback regarding input received through radar-based radar
gestures. FIGS. 10-13 illustrate additional details of some of the
ways that visual elements can be used to provide the feedback
related to the use of radar gestures.
[0101] Consider FIGS. 10A-10D, which illustrate generally, at 1000,
example visual elements that may be used to indicate that a user's
hand is within a gesture zone that enables a gesture-subscribed
application to receive radar gesture input. The gesture zone is an
area around the electronic device 102 (or the radar system 104)
within which the electronic device 102 can receive, interpret, and
act on radar gestures, such as a swipe or a pinch. The gesture zone
can extend any suitable distance from the electronic device 102
(e.g., approximately three, approximately five, approximately
seven, or approximately ten inches).
[0102] In FIG. 10A, an example display 114-7 is shown in a state in
which at least one gesture-subscribed application is running (e.g.,
similar to the example display 114-4 described with reference to
FIG. 8). A user's hand 1002 is shown near the example display
114-7, but outside the gesture zone (the border of the gesture zone
is shown as a dotted line 1004). A visual element 1006 is shown as
an illuminated line near the top of the example display 114-7, but
the visual element 1006 could be presented at another location or
as another shape or type of element (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9). In
FIG. 10B, the user's hand 1002 moves toward the electronic device
and crosses the border of the gesture zone 1004, as shown by the
arrow 1008. In response to the electronic device detecting the
movement 1008, another visual element 1010 replaces the visual
element 1006, as shown on an example display 114-8. In this
example, the visual element 1010 is a brighter line (e.g., more- or
fully-illuminated) near the top of the display, but the visual
element 1010 could also be presented at another location or as
another shape or type of element.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 10C, when the user's hand 1002 is within
the border of the gesture zone 1004, the visual element 1010 can be
used to provide feedback that indicates smaller, non-gesture motion
of the user's hand 1002, which are represented by a double-ended
arrow 1012. For example, as shown on an example display 114-9, the
visual element can move to indicate the user's hand movements by
moving back and forth with the user's hand, as shown by an arrow
1014. In FIG. 10D, the user's hand 1002 is withdrawn outside the
border of the gesture zone 1004, as shown by an arrow 1016. In
response to the motion of the user's hand, the display 114 returns
to the state as shown in the example display 114-7, in which the
visual element 1006 is displayed near the top of the example
display 114-7.
[0104] In some implementations (not shown in FIG. 10A-10D), the
non-gesture motions can be represented by other visual elements or
changes to the visual elements. For example, in a case in which the
visual element is a "glowing" shape (e.g., a shape with varying
brightness, color, or other properties), a focal point of the shape
can shift to represent the motions, while the shape itself remains
stationary. Additionally or alternatively, changes to an intensity
of the brightness or color can be used to represent the motion
(e.g., the brightness or color of the shape, or part of the shape,
change in accordance with the non-gesture motions. The visual
elements 1006 and 1010, along with the motion of the visual element
1010, can help the user 112 understand when gestures are available,
and provide feedback that indicates the electronic device 102 is
aware of the relative position of the user's hand, which can
improve the user's experience with the electronic device 102.
[0105] As described with reference to FIG. 10C, the electronic
device 102 can provide visual feedback to represent smaller,
non-gesture motion of the user's hand in the gesture zone, such as
moving a visual element back and forth on the display,
corresponding to the motion of the user's hand Similarly, when the
user 112 makes a radar gesture (e.g., a swiping gesture to skip a
song or an omni-gesture to dismiss an alert or notification), the
electronic device 102 can provide feedback to notify the user 112
that the gesture has been successfully received or that a gesture
attempt was received but it was not clear enough to be confirmed as
a radar gesture. For example, FIG. 11 illustrates generally, at
1100, a sequence of example visual elements that can be used to
notify the user 112 that a gesture has been successfully
received.
[0106] In FIG. 11, an example display 114-10 is shown in a state in
which at least one gesture-subscribed application is running and a
user's hand 1102 is within a boundary of a gesture zone (e.g.,
similar to the example display 114-8 described with reference to
FIG. 10B). The example display 114-10 is presenting a visual
element 1104, shown as an illuminated line near the top of the
example display 114-10, to indicate the availability of radar
gestures and that the user's hand 1102 is within the gesture zone.
In the example of FIG. 11, the user 112 makes a sliding or swiping
gesture from left to right, as shown by the arrow 1106. In response
to the motion 1106 of the user's hand 1102, the visual element 1104
also moves, as shown in a sequence 1108 (shown within a dashed-line
rectangle). An example display 114-11 illustrates the beginning of
the sequence 1108, as the visual element 1104 begins moving to the
right, as shown by an arrow 1110.
[0107] The sequence 1108 continues in another example display
114-12, in which the visual element 1104 bends around a corner of
the example display 114-12, as shown by an arrow 1112. The visual
element 1104 can continue down a side of the display 114 for a
variable distance (e.g., as soon as a trailing end of the visual
element completes the bend or after the trailing end has traveled a
particular distance along the side) and then disappear. Continuing
the sequence 1108 in another example display 114-13, the visual
element 1104 reappears or regenerates from the left side of the
example display 114-13 and moves toward the center position, as
shown by an arrow 1114. In some implementations, the visual element
1104 can reappear or regenerate at the initial position (as shown
in the example display 114-10), rather than from the left side.
When the sequence 1108 is complete, the display returns to the
state as shown in the example display 114-10, with the visual
element 1104 displayed near the top of the display 114. In some
implementations, a motion of the visual element 1104 can subtly
track the user's hand 1102 while the hand remains within the
boundary of the gesture zone. The motion of the visual element 1104
can help the user 112 understand when radar gestures have been
accepted and when the gesture is complete, which can improve the
user's experience with the electronic device 102.
[0108] Note that the sequence 1108 begins when the user 112 begins
the gesture, but the gesture and the sequence 1108 may be completed
at different times. Further, as described above, while the visual
element 1104 is shown as a partially illuminated line near the top
of the display 114, the visual element 1104 could be presented at
another location or as another shape or type of element (e.g., as
shown in FIG. 9). The sequence 1108 could also begin at another
location on the display 114 and proceed in another direction, such
as right to left, top to bottom, or bottom to top (e.g., if a radar
gesture moved from right to left, top to bottom, or bottom to top).
More examples of sequences that show a successful radar gesture
(not shown in FIG. 11) include a visual element that collapses on
itself, briefly disappears, and then regenerates (e.g., from its
original position). Other examples also include a visual element
that bends or flexes (e.g., at one end, both ends, in the middle,
or at another location) to show a successful radar gesture, such as
a gesture made in a direction perpendicular to the display 114 or a
gesture with a component that is perpendicular to the display
114.
[0109] In some cases, as described herein, the visual element may
be hidden even when radar gestures are available (e.g., because the
user interacted with a voice or touch input, or in order to reduce
the risk of screen burn-in). In this situation, the visual element,
such the visual element 1104, may still be shown when the user
makes a successful radar gesture. Consider an example, in which the
visual element is hidden while the user is listening to music and
using a voice input to open another application. In the example,
the user performs a radar gesture to skip a song, and the display
presents the sequence 1108 to notify the user that the radar
gesture was successful.
[0110] FIG. 12 illustrates generally, at 1200, a sequence of
example visual elements that can be used to notify the user 112
that a gesture has failed to be successfully received. In FIG. 12,
an example display 114-14 is shown in a state in which at least one
gesture-subscribed application is running and in which a user's
hand 1202 is within the boundary of a gesture zone (e.g., similar
to the example display 114-8 described with reference to FIG. 10B).
The example display 114-14 is presenting a visual element 1204,
shown as an illuminated line near the top of the example display
114-14, to indicate the availability of radar gestures and that the
user's hand 1202 is within the gesture zone. In the example of FIG.
12, the user 112 attempts to make a sliding or swiping gesture from
left to right, but fails to meet sufficient standards for a swiping
gesture. For example, as shown by a curved arrow 1206, the user's
hand 1202 may fail to travel sufficient distance in a relevant
direction before withdrawing. In this case, when the electronic
device 102 (or the radar system 104) detects the motion 1206 of the
user's hand 1202, which lacks sufficient definition to be
successfully determined to be a radar gesture, the visual element
1204 moves as shown in a sequence 1208 (shown within a dashed-line
rectangle). An example display 114-15 illustrates the beginning of
the sequence 1208, as the visual element 1204 begins moving to the
right, as shown by an arrow 1210.
[0111] Continuing the sequence 1208 in another example display
114-16, the visual element 1204 has stopped before reaching an
opposite edge of the example display 114-16 and has shrunk
(compared to its starting length as shown in the example display
114-14). The sequence 1208 continues in another example display
114-17, in which the visual element 1204 reverses direction and
begins to move back toward its original location (the center in
this example), as shown by another arrow 1212. The visual element
1204 also begins to grow back to its original length. In other
implementations, rather than stopping and shrinking, the visual
element 1204 may slow and bounce before reversing direction. When
the sequence 1208 is complete, the display returns to the state as
shown in the example display 114-14, with the visual element 1204
displayed near the top of the example display 114 and subtly
tracking the user's hand 1202 while it remains within the boundary
of the gesture zone. The motion of the visual element 1204 can help
the user 112 understand when a gesture has not been successfully
completed so that the user can learn techniques for making
successful radar gestures and become aware when an attempted
gesture fails (e.g., so it can be attempted again, if necessary),
which can improve the user's experience with the electronic device
102.
[0112] Note that the sequence 1208 may begin when the electronic
device 102 (or the IMA manager 106) detects (e.g., using one or
more subsets of the radar data) that the user 112 has attempted a
radar gesture, but also determines that the gesture fails to meet
at least one criterion that is necessary for acceptance.
Accordingly, the attempted gesture and the sequence 1208 may be
completed at different times, depending on the nature of the
attempted gesture and the speed of the sequence 1208. Further, as
described above, while the visual element 1204 is shown as a
partially illuminated line near the top of the display 114, the
visual element 1204 may be presented at another location or as
another shape or type of element (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9). The
sequence 1208 could also begin at another location on the display
114 and proceed in another direction, such as right to left, top to
bottom, or bottom to top (e.g., if an attempted radar gesture moved
from right to left, top to bottom, or bottom to top). The sequence
1208 can also include periods of time in which the visual element
1204 changes one or more visual properties, such as brightness,
luminosity, saturation, and so forth (not illustrated). Other
examples of sequences that show an unsuccessful radar gesture
attempt include a visual element that partially collapses on
itself, such as by briefly shrinking, and then returns to its
original size and position.
[0113] In some implementations, the electronic device 102 includes
a gesture-paused mode that can turn off or suspend the radar
gesture capabilities of the electronic device 102 when conditions
indicate that the system may be inefficient or ineffective at
receiving or interpreting the gestures. For example, when the
electronic device 102 is moving at a velocity above a threshold, or
when the direction in which the electronic device 102 is moving
changes rapidly and repeatedly, the electronic device can enter the
gesture-paused mode and provide visual feedback to the user. The
electronic device 102 may determine to enter the gesture-paused
mode based on input from any of a variety of sensors, including a
radar sensor (e.g., the radar system 104), an inertial measurement
unit (IMU), a proximity sensor (e.g., an active infrared proximity
sensor), and so forth. For example, if the user 112 is walking and
listening to audio content with the electronic device 102 in the
user's hands swinging back and forth, the motion may be similar to
a radar-based swipe gesture, but the user 112 does not intend to
skip tracks or adjust the volume. Accordingly, because the motion
of the electronic device 102 can introduce ambiguity into the
gesture interpretation process, the electronic device 102 may
determine to enter the gesture-paused mode until the ambiguity is
resolved (e.g., the user 112 stops walking).
[0114] Consider FIG. 13, which illustrates generally, at 1300,
example visual elements that may be used to indicate that a
gesture-subscribed application is available to receive radar
gesture input, but that gestures are currently paused. The
gesture-paused mode may be activated whenever radar gestures are
available, whether the user's hand is in or out of the gesture
zone. In FIG. 13, an example display 114-18 is shown in a state in
which at least one gesture-subscribed application is running and a
user's hand is within the boundary of a gesture zone (e.g., similar
to the example display 114-8 described with reference to FIG. 10B).
The example display 114-18 is presenting a visual element 1302,
shown as an illuminated line near the top of the example display
114-18, to indicate the availability of radar gestures and that the
user's hand 1102 is within the gesture zone. If the user 112 takes
an action that causes the electronic device 102 to enter the
gesture-paused mode (e.g., the user's hand begins moving back and
forth as the user 112 is walking, as shown by an arrow 1304), the
visual element 1302 changes, as shown in a sequence 1306 (within a
dashed-line rectangle).
[0115] An example display 114-19 illustrates the beginning of the
sequence 1306 as another visual element 1308 replaces the visual
element 1302, in response to the electronic device 102 detecting
the movement 1304. As shown on an example display 114-19, the
visual element 1308 is another line that is shorter and dimmer than
the visual element 1302. In implementations in which the visual
element 1302 has a particular color, the visual element 1308 may
have a different color from that of the visual element 1302 (e.g.,
the color may change from the particular color to another color,
such as grey or white). The sequence 1306 continues in another
example display 114-20, in which the visual element 1308 begins
moving to the right, as shown by an arrow 1310. Continuing the
sequence 1306 in another example display 114-21, the visual element
1308 moves to the left as shown by an arrow 1312. In the sequence
1306, the visual element 1308 may stop and reverse direction before
it reaches a side of the display or go all the way to the edge
before reversing direction. In some implementations, the visual
element 1308 may further shrink when it stops to reverse directions
and then return to another size when, after, or as, it begins
moving in the opposite direction. Further, the oscillation of the
visual element 1308 may match the condition upon which the
gesture-paused mode is based. For example, in the case of the
user's arms swinging, the velocity or frequency of the oscillation
of the visual element 1308 may approximately match the velocity or
frequency of the user's hand moving.
[0116] As described above, while the visual element 1308 is shown
as a partially illuminated line near the top of the display 114,
the visual element 1308 can be presented at another location or as
another shape or type of element (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9). The
sequence 1108 can also begin at another location on the display 114
and proceed in another direction, such as right to left, top to
bottom, or bottom to top (e.g., depending on the orientation of
content on the display 114, the direction of the radar gesture
input, or another factor).
[0117] When the electronic device 102 exits the gesture-paused
mode, the sequence 1306 is complete and the display 114 returns to
an appropriate state, depending on whether there are
gesture-subscribed applications running and on the location of the
user's hand. The sequence 1306 of motion of the visual element 1308
can help the user 112 understand when gestures may be paused and
allow the user 112 to adjust how the electronic device 102 is used
to avoid or take advantage of the gesture-paused mode, which can
improve the user's experience with the electronic device 102.
[0118] In some cases (not shown in FIG. 13), the user's motion may
not introduce ambiguity, such as a situation in which the user
walking with the electronic device and holding it steady in front
of the user. In these cases, the electronic device does not enter
the gesture-paused mode and the visual element 1302 may change one
or more visual parameters to alert the user that radar gestures are
available, even while the user and the electronic device are in
motion. For example, the visual element 1302 may change from a
default color to another color (e.g., from grey to blue, grey to
white, or white to blue).
[0119] In some implementations, the electronic device 102 can
determine that the gesture-subscribed application running on the
electronic device 102 is operating in an immersive mode (e.g., in a
full-screen mode without any presented controls). In response to
this determination, the display can periodically provide the visual
elements described with reference to FIGS. 8-13 (e.g., the visual
elements 802, 902, 1006, 1010, 1104, 1204, 1302, and/or 1308). For
example, the visual element can be provided on the display for a
time duration and then stop being provided for another time
duration. The time durations may be selectable (e.g., by the user
112 or by the electronic device 102, based on factors such as the
type of gesture-subscribed application running in the immersive
mode, the status of the gesture-subscribed application, or the
frequency with which the user 112 employs a radar gesture).
[0120] The user's location and movements can also be used to detect
user actions that are categorized as indications of the user's
intention to interact (or not interact) with the electronic device.
For example, the electronic device may have access to a library
(e.g., in a memory device) of actions that are categorized as
indicators of a user's intent to interact or not interact with the
device (e.g., reaching for the electronic device, turning or
walking toward or away from the electronic device, leaning toward
or looking at the electronic device). In some cases, the electronic
device may also include machine-learning technology that can add,
remove, or modify the actions stored in the library. Based on the
detection of the user's presence, movements, and intention, the
electronic device can cause the electronic device to enter and exit
different modes of functionality and present different visual
elements on a display, based on the modes. These modes can enable
different functionalities for the electronic device, and help the
user understand the mode the electronic device is operating in, and
the services and functions that are available. FIGS. 14-16
illustrate the electronic device operating in the multiple modes
and describe examples of the visual elements that can be presented
on the display in the different modes.
[0121] For instance, when the user is not detected near the
electronic device (e.g., within the radar field 110 or the
recognition zone), the device operates in a dormant mode. In the
dormant mode, the display (e.g., the display 114) may present fewer
visual elements than in other modes, or no visual elements and the
display may be on or off When the electronic device determines the
presence of the user within the recognition zone (e.g., using radar
data, or one or more subsets of the radar data, from the radar
system 104), the electronic device exits the dormant mode and
enters an aware mode. In the aware mode, the display presents one
or more visual elements that can indicate a status or functionality
level of the electronic device.
[0122] While the electronic device is in the aware mode, the
electronic device can detect a user action that is categorized as
an indication of a user intent to interact with the electronic
device. In response to detecting this user action, the electronic
device can prepare an authentication system to perform an
authentication process. In some implementations, when the
electronic device detects the indication of the user's intent to
interact, the electronic device also exits the aware mode and
enters an engaged mode. In the engaged mode, the display presents
additional or alternate visual elements that can indicate changes
in the status or functionality level of the electronic device. The
electronic device can also detect a trigger event and, based on the
trigger event, cause the authentication system to authenticate the
user. In response to the user being authenticated, the electronic
device exits the aware or engaged mode and enters an active mode.
In the active mode, the display presents additional or alternate
visual elements that can indicate changes in the status or
functionality level of the electronic device.
[0123] FIG. 14 illustrates an example 1400 of an electronic device
transitioning from the dormant mode to the aware mode. A detail
view 1400-1 shows the electronic device 102 in the dormant mode
while the user 112 is outside of a recognition zone 1402. In this
example, the recognition zone 1402 has a wedge shape, but as noted,
the recognition zone 1402 can take any suitable shape or size.
Continuing the example, in this case the display 114 is not
presenting any visual elements in the dormant mode, as shown on an
example display 114-22. In another detail view 1400-2, the user 112
is closer to the electronic device 102, which has determined that
the user 112 has entered the recognition zone 1402. Based on this
determination, the electronic device 102 exits the dormant mode and
enters the aware mode, as shown by an arrow 1404.
[0124] In the detail view 1400-2, multiple visual elements are
presented on an example display 114-23. For example, in the aware
mode, the example display 114-23 presents a time-of-day element
1406 (a clock), a date element 1408, a connectivity status element
1410 (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular, or other network connectivity), and a
battery-level indicator element 1412 (including a graphical element
and a percentage indicator). In the detail view 1400-2, the
remainder of the example display 114-23 is blank. In some
implementations, however, additional elements may be displayed,
including a background image, such as a wallpaper or other image.
Though not shown in FIG. 14, if the user 112 exits the recognition
zone 1402, the electronic device 102 may stop displaying the visual
elements and return to the dormant mode (immediately or after the
user 112 has been outside the recognition zone 1402 for a
selectable predetermined amount of time).
[0125] FIG. 15 illustrates an example 1500 of an electronic device
transitioning from the aware mode to the optional engaged mode. A
detail view 1500-1 shows the user 112 within the recognition zone
1402 and the electronic device 102 in the aware mode, as described
with reference to FIG. 14, including displaying multiple visual
elements (1406, 1408, 1410, 1412) on an example display 114-24.
Another detail view 1500-2 shows the user 112 reaching for the
electronic device 102. The electronic device 102 detects the reach
(e.g., using one or more subsets of the radar data) as a user
action that is an indication of a user intent to interact with the
electronic device 102. In response to detecting this user action
indicating intent, the electronic device 102 exits the aware mode
and enters the engaged mode, as shown by an arrow 1502.
[0126] In the detail view 1500-2, additional visual elements are
presented on an example display 114-25. For example, in the engaged
mode, the example display 114-25 presents a background image 1504
(in this case, an image of the Golden Gate Bridge). The background
image 1504 may have dynamic features that adjust with the context
of the user, such as animation, or varying brightness or
transparency levels that change depending on the distance or speed
of the reach. While in the engaged mode, the electronic device 102
also prepares an authentication system to perform an authentication
process (note that in some cases, the electronic device 102 does
not enter the engaged mode and instead prepares the authentication
system while in the aware mode, in response to the user action that
indicates user intent). Accordingly, the example display 114-25
also presents a lock icon 1506, which indicates that full access to
the electronic device 102 is unavailable until the user 112 is
authenticated. In some implementations, additional visual elements
may be displayed on the example display 114-25, and some or all of
the visual elements presented on the example display 114-24 may
cease being presented. Though not shown in FIG. 15, if the user 112
withdraws the reach gestures, the electronic device 102 may exit
the engaged mode and return to the aware mode (immediately or after
the reach has been withdrawn for a selectable predetermined amount
of time).
[0127] FIG. 16 illustrates an example 1600 of an electronic device
transitioning from the engaged mode to the active mode after the
user 112 is authenticated (note that in some implementations, the
electronic device can transition to the active mode from the aware
mode). A detail view 1600-1 shows the user 112 within the
recognition zone 1402 and the electronic device 102 in the engaged
mode, as described with reference to FIG. 15, including displaying
multiple visual elements on an example display 114-26 (1406, 1408,
1410, 1412, 1504, 1506). As noted with reference to FIG. 15, when
the user reaches for the electronic device 102, the authentication
system prepares to authenticate the user 112. In FIG. 16, another
detail view 1600-2 shows that the user 112 has picked up the
electronic device 102. The electronic device 102 determines that
being picked up is a trigger event, as described above, and
authenticates the user 112. When the user 112 is authenticated, the
electronic device 102 exits the engaged mode (or the aware mode)
and enters an active mode, as shown by an arrow 1602.
[0128] Additional visual elements associated with the active mode
may also be presented on an example display 114-27, as shown in the
detail view 1600-2. For example, in the active mode, the example
display 114-27 continues to present the visual elements associated
with the aware mode, but the background image 1504 (associated with
the engaged mode) has changed to another background image 1604, a
beach silhouette (note that as the background image 1604 has a
different color scheme, some of the visual elements have changed
contrast or color so that they remain visible to the user 112).
Additionally, the engaged mode lock icon 1506 has transitioned to
an unlock icon 1606, which indicates that the user 112 is
authenticated. In some implementations, the unlock icon 1606 may be
presented for a duration of time and then fade. While not
illustrated in FIG. 16, additional visual elements may be displayed
on the example display 114-27 after the unlock icon 1606 fades,
such as an instruction (e.g., "Swipe or tap to open"), one or more
application launch icons, or other visual elements available to the
electronic device 102.
[0129] In some implementations, the user 112 may remain
authenticated for as long as the user 112 remains within the
recognition zone (e.g., the recognition zone 1402) or within
another defined area within which the radar system can detect the
presence of the user 112. In these implementations, the display 114
may remain powered and able to receive input and present content,
or the screen may turn off to save battery power. Because the user
112 remains authenticated, even if the screen is off, the user can
access the electronic device 102 by touching the screen, picking up
the device, or another action, without having to be
re-authenticated. In this way, the user's enjoyment and experience
with the electronic device 102 can be improved while preserving
battery power.
[0130] Further, the described progression between modes (e.g., from
the dormant mode, through the aware and engaged modes, to
authentication and the active mode), may instead run in an opposite
direction. For example, when the electronic device 102 is in the
active mode and the user 112 sets it down (e.g., another trigger
event occurs), the electronic device may enter a locked state
(e.g., de-authenticate the user 112), and/or place the electronic
device 102 in the engaged or aware mode, as described above.
Accordingly, if the user's hand remains near the electronic device
102 (e.g., remains in a "reach" position), the electronic device
102 may remain in the engaged mode. Conversely, if the user's hand
is withdrawn, the electronic device 102 may enter the aware mode.
Then, as noted, the electronic device 102 may remain in the aware
mode while the user is in the recognition zone. During this
progression between zones, the display 114 may present the visual
elements described above for each zone, to indicate the changing
status of the electronic device 102 to the user 112.
[0131] As noted, in some implementations, applications running on
the electronic device 102 may be able to receive input through
radar-based 3D gestures (radar gestures). In these cases, the radar
system 104 may detect a reach by the user 112 and perform actions,
based on the context of the electronic device 102. For example,
when the electronic device is in any of the modes described above,
the user 112 may receive a phone call, receive an alarm, alert, or
notification, or play music through the electronic device. In these
situations, the user may reach toward the electronic device to
respond to the action. Thus, a reach may reduce or silence the
ringer during an incoming call or an alarm. Further, if the user
112 notices an alert or notification is being displayed, and
reaches toward the electronic device, the notification may be
dismissed or become interactive. For example, upon detecting the
user's reach, the electronic device may display the notification in
a mode that allows the user to respond by dismissing or postponing
the alert/notification, replying (in the case of a message or email
notification), or in another manner In some cases, the displayed
notification may change color or size as well. In the example of
the user 112 listening to music, a reach may cause the electronic
device to present a control screen for the music player, so that
the user can control the track, volume, or other parameter.
[0132] Some or all of these features may be available in different
modes, and which features are available may be user-selectable. For
example, the user 112 may allow volume silencing and music control
in all modes but allow responding to alerts and notifications only
in the active mode (e.g., when the user has been authenticated and
has not left the recognition zone). Other combinations of features
and permission levels may also be selected by the user.
[0133] Among the advantages of the described implementations,
including implementations in which radar sensing is used to detect
the presence of the user within a recognition zone, and further
including implementations in which radar is used to detect user
action that is categorized as an indication of a user intent to
interact with the electronic device, either of which might
alternatively be achievable using the on-device camera that is
provided with most modern smartphones, is that the power usage of
the radar facility is substantially less than the power usage of
the camera facility, while the propriety of the results can often
be better with the radar facility than with the camera facility.
For example, using the radar facility described hereinabove, the
desired user-state or user-intention detection can be achieved at
average power ranging from single-digit milliwatts to just a few
dozen milliwatts (e.g., 10 mW, 20 mW, 30 mW or 40 mW), even
including the processing power for processing the radar vector data
to make the determinations. At these low levels of power, it would
be readily acceptable to have the radar facility in an always-on
state. As such, for example, with the smartphone radar facility in
the always-on state, the desired delightful and seamless experience
presently described can still be provided for a user that has been
sitting across the room from their smartphone for many hours.
[0134] In contrast, the optical cameras provided with most of
today's smartphones typically operate at hundreds of milliwatts of
power (e.g., an order of magnitude higher than 40 mW, which is 400
mW). At such power rates, optical cameras would be disadvantageous
because they would significantly reduce the battery life of most of
today's smartphones, so much so as to make it highly impractical,
if not prohibitive, to have the optical camera in an always-on
state. An additional advantage of the radar facility is that the
field of view can be quite large, readily enough to detect a user
walking up from any direction even when lying flat and face-up on a
table (for many typical implementations in which the radar chip is
facing outward in the same general direction as the selfie camera)
and, furthermore, by virtue of its Doppler processing ability can
be highly effective (especially at operating frequencies near 60
GHz) in detecting even relatively subtle movements of moving bodies
from the variety of directions.
[0135] Additionally, the radar facility can operate in environments
in which the performance of the camera facility is reduced or
restricted. For example, in lower-light environments, the camera
facility may have a reduced ability to detect shape or movement. In
contrast, the radar facility performs as well in lower-light as in
full light. The radar facility can also detect presence and
gestures through some obstacles. For instance, if the smartphone is
in a pocket or a jacket or pair of pants, a camera facility cannot
detect a user or a gesture. The radar facility, however, can still
detect objects in its field, even through a fabric that would block
the camera facility. An even further advantage of using a radar
facility over an onboard video camera facility of a smartphone is
privacy, whereby a user can have the advantages of the herein
described delightful and seamless experiences while at the same
time not needing to be worried that there is a video camera taking
video of them for such purposes.
Example Computing System
[0136] FIG. 17 illustrates various components of an example
computing system 1700 that can be implemented as any type of
client, server, and/or electronic device as described with
reference to the previous FIGS. 1-16 to implement an input-mode
notification for a multi-input mode.
[0137] The computing system 1700 includes communication devices
1702 that enable wired and/or wireless communication of device data
1704 (e.g., radar data, authentication data, reference data,
received data, data that is being received, data scheduled for
broadcast, and data packets of the data). The device data 1704 or
other device content can include configuration settings of the
device, media content stored on the device, and/or information
associated with a user of the device (e.g., an identity of a person
within a radar field or customized gesture data). Media content
stored on the computing system 1700 can include any type of radar,
biometric, audio, video, and/or image data. The computing system
1700 includes one or more data inputs 1706 via which any type of
data, media content, and/or inputs can be received, such as human
utterances, interactions with a radar field (e.g., a radar
gesture), touch inputs, user-selectable inputs or interactions
(explicit or implicit), messages, music, television media content,
recorded video content, and any other type of audio, video, and/or
image data received from any content and/or data source.
[0138] The computing system 1700 also includes communication
interfaces 1708, which can be implemented as any one or more of a
serial and/or a parallel interface, a wireless interface, any type
of network interface, a modem, and as any other type of
communication interface. The communication interfaces 1708 provide
a connection and/or communication links between the computing
system 1700 and a communication network by which other electronic,
computing, and communication devices communicate data with the
computing system 1700.
[0139] The computing system 1700 includes one or more processors
1710 (e.g., any of microprocessors, controllers, or other
controllers) that can process various computer-executable
instructions to control the operation of the computing system 1700
and to enable techniques for, or in which can be implemented, the
input-mode notification for a multi-input mode. Alternatively or
additionally, the computing system 1700 can be implemented with any
one or combination of hardware, firmware, or fixed logic circuitry
that is implemented in connection with processing and control
circuits, which are generally identified at 1712. Although not
shown, the computing system 1700 can include a system bus or data
transfer system that couples the various components within the
device. A system bus can include any one or combination of
different bus structures, such as a memory bus or memory
controller, a peripheral bus, a universal serial bus, and/or a
processor or local bus that utilizes any of a variety of bus
architectures. Also not shown, the computing system 1700 can
include one or more non-radar sensors, such as the non-radar
sensors 108.
[0140] The computing system 1700 also includes computer-readable
media 1714, such as one or more memory devices that enable
persistent and/or non-transitory data storage (e.g., in contrast to
mere signal transmission), examples of which include random access
memory (RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., any one or more of a
read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.), and a
disk storage device. A disk storage device may be implemented as
any type of magnetic or optical storage device, such as a hard disk
drive, a recordable and/or rewriteable compact disc (CD), any type
of a digital versatile disc (DVD), and the like. The computing
system 1700 can also include a mass storage media device (storage
media) 1716.
[0141] The computer-readable media 1714 provides data storage
mechanisms to store the device data 1704, as well as various device
applications 1718 and any other types of information and/or data
related to operational aspects of the computing system 1700. For
example, an operating system 1720 can be maintained as a computer
application with the computer-readable media 1714 and executed on
the processors 1710. The device applications 1718 may include a
device manager, such as any form of a control application, software
application, signal-processing and control modules, code that is
native to a particular device, an abstraction module, a gesture
recognition module, and other modules. The device applications 1718
may also include system components, engines, modules, or managers
to implement the input-mode notification for a multi-input mode,
such as the radar system 104, the IMA manager 106, or the
application manager 116. The computing system 1700 may also
include, or have access to, one or more machine-learning
systems.
[0142] Several examples are described below.
[0143] Example 1: An electronic device comprising: a display; a
radar system, implemented at least partially in hardware,
configured to: provide a radar field; sense reflections from a user
in the radar field; analyze the reflections from the user in the
radar field; and provide, based on the analysis of the reflections,
radar data; one or more computer processors; and one or more
computer-readable media having instructions stored thereon that,
responsive to execution by the one or more computer processors,
implement a radar-based input-mode availability manager configured
to: determine that an application operating on the electronic
device has a capability to receive radar gesture input; determine
that the user is within a threshold distance of the electronic
device; and responsive to the determination that the application
operating on the electronic device has the capability to receive
radar gesture input and that the user is within the threshold
distance of the electronic device, cause the display to present an
input-mode notification, the input-mode notification associated
with the capability to receive the radar gesture input.
[0144] Example 2. The electronic device of example 1, wherein the
input-mode notification is a visual element that appears at an edge
of an active area of the display.
[0145] Example 3. The electronic device of example 1 or 2, wherein
the input-mode notification is a visual element that appears at an
edge of an active area of the display, the visual element
comprising a portion of the active area of the display having: a
visual property, in particular at least one of a luminosity, a
color, a contrast, a shape, a saturation, a blur, or an opaqueness
that is different from a visual property of another portion of the
display that is near to the visual element; and a side that is
adjacent to the edge of the active area of the display.
[0146] Example 4. The electronic device of example 3, wherein the
visual property of the visual element varies from the side that is
adjacent to the edge of the active area of the display to another
side of the visual element.
[0147] Example 5: The electronic device of any of examples 1-4,
wherein the radar-based input-mode availability manager is further
configured to: obtain an orientation of content presented on the
display; determine, based on the orientation of the content
presented on the display, a direction of the radar gesture input
that is used to interact with the content; and based on the
direction of the radar gesture input that is used to interact with
the content, cause the display to present the input-mode
notification at a particular edge of the active area of the display
that corresponds to the direction of the radar gesture input that
is used to interact with the content.
[0148] Example 6. The electronic device of any of examples 1-5,
wherein the radar-based input-mode availability manager is further
configured to: detect a change in an orientation of the electronic
device with respect to the user; and based on the change in the
orientation of the electronic device with respect to the user,
cause the display to present the input-mode notification on a
different edge of the active display, effective to maintain an
orientation of the input-mode notification with respect to the
user.
[0149] Example 7. The electronic device of any of examples 1-6,
wherein the radar-based input-mode availability manager is further
configured to: determine that the application operating on the
electronic device and having the capability to receive the radar
gesture input is operating in an immersive mode; and responsive to
determining the application operating on the electronic device and
having the capability to receive the radar gesture input is
operating in an immersive mode, cause the display to: present the
input-mode notification for a presentation duration after the
determination of the immersive mode; and responsive to the
presentation duration ending, cease presenting the input-mode
notification for a non-presentation duration.
[0150] Example 8. The electronic device of any of examples 1-7,
wherein the determination that the application operating on the
electronic device has a capability to receive radar gesture input,
the determination that the user is within the threshold distance
from the electronic device, and the presentation of the input-mode
notification occur while the electronic device is in an unlocked
state; or while the electronic device is in a locked state.
[0151] Example 9. The electronic device of any of examples 1-8,
wherein radar-based input-mode availability manager is further
configured to: determine that the user is interacting with the
electronic device, wherein the determination that the user is
interacting with the electronic device comprises a determination
that the user is using touch input or a determination that the user
has picked up the electronic device; responsive to the
determination that the user is interacting with the electronic
device, cause the display to cease presenting the input-mode
notification; determine that the user has stopped interacting with
the electronic device, wherein the determination that the user has
stopped interacting with the electronic device comprises a
determination that the user has stopped using touch input or a
determination that the user has set down the electronic device; and
responsive to the determination that the user has stopped
interacting with the electronic device, cause the display to
present the input-mode notification.
[0152] Example 10. The electronic device of any of examples 1-9,
wherein the radar-based input-mode availability manager is further
configured to: determine a background color of a region of the
display on which the input-mode notification is displayed; and
responsive to determination of the background color of the region
of the display on which the input-mode notification is displayed,
cause the display to present the input-mode notification in another
color that is different from the background color, the different
color effective to provide human-discernable contrast between the
input-mode notification and the region of the display on which the
input-mode notification is displayed.
[0153] Example 11. The electronic device of any of examples 1-10,
wherein the radar-based input-mode availability manager is further
configured to: determine at least one of an operational state, a
screen state, a power state, or a functional mode of the electronic
device, the operational state, the screen state, the power state,
or the functional mode of the electronic device indicating that the
input-mode notification has been presented for longer than a
threshold duration ; and responsive to the determination that the
operational state, the screen state, the power state, and/or the
functional mode of the electronic device indicates that the
input-mode notification has been presented for longer than a
threshold duration, cause the display to: present the input-mode
notification at a different location; or cease presenting the
input-mode notification for a duration of time; and responsive to
the duration of time ending, present the input-mode notification
for another duration of time.
[0154] Example 12. A method implemented in an electronic device
that includes a display and a radar system, the method comprising:
determining that an application operating on the electronic device
has a capability to receive radar gesture input, the radar gesture
input defined by radar data that is generated by the radar system;
determining, based on one or more subsets of the radar data, that a
user is within a threshold distance of the electronic device; and
responsive to determining that the application operating on the
electronic device has the capability to receive radar gesture input
and that the user is within the threshold distance of the
electronic device, providing an input-mode notification on the
display of the electronic device, the input-mode notification
associated with the capability to receive the radar gesture
input.
[0155] Example 13. The method of example 12, wherein providing the
input-mode notification further comprises providing a visual
element that appears at an edge of an active area of the
display.
[0156] Example 14. The method of example 12 or 13, wherein the
input-mode notification is a visual element that appears at the
edge of the active area of the display, the visual element
comprising a portion of the active area of the display having: a
visual property, in particular at least one of a luminosity, a
color, a contrast, a shape, a saturation, a blur, or an opaqueness
that is different from a visual property of another portion of the
display that is near to the visual element; and a side that is
adjacent to the edge of the active area of the display.
[0157] Example 15. The method of example 14, wherein the visual
property of the visual element varies from the side that is
adjacent to the edge of the active area of the display to another
side of the visual element.
[0158] Example 16. The method of any of examples 12-15, further
comprising: obtaining an orientation of content presented on the
display; determining, based on the orientation of the content
presented on the display, a direction of the radar gesture input
that is used to interact with the content; and providing, based on
the direction of the radar gesture input that is used to interact
with the content, the input-mode notification on the edge of the
active area of the display that corresponds to the direction of the
radar gesture input that is used to interact with the content.
[0159] Example 17. The method of any of examples 12-16, further
comprising: detecting a change in an orientation of the electronic
device with respect to the user; and based on the change in the
orientation of the electronic device with respect to the user,
providing the input-mode notification on a different edge of the
active display, effective to maintain an orientation of the
input-mode notification with respect to the user.
[0160] Example 18. The method of any of examples 12-17, further
comprising: determining that the application operating on the
electronic device and having the capability to receive radar
gesture input is operating in an immersive mode; and responsive to
determining the application operating on the electronic device and
having the capability to receive radar gesture input is operating
in an immersive mode: providing the input-mode notification for a
presentation duration after determining the immersive mode; and
responsive to the presentation duration ending, cease providing the
input-mode notification for a non-presentation duration.
[0161] Example 19. The method of any of examples 12-18, further
comprising performing the steps of the method while the electronic
device is in an unlocked state; or performing the steps of the
method while the electronic device is in a locked state.
[0162] Example 20. The method of any of examples 12-19, further
comprising: determining a background color of a region of the
display on which the input-mode notification is displayed; and
responsive to determining the background color of the region of the
display on which the input-mode notification is displayed,
providing the input-mode notification in another color that is
different from the background color, the other color effective to
provide human-discernable contrast between the input-mode
notification and the region of the display on which the input-mode
notification is displayed.
CONCLUSION
[0163] Although implementations of techniques for, and apparatuses
enabling, an input-mode notification for a multi-input mode have
been described in language specific to features and/or methods, it
is to be understood that the subject of the appended claims is not
necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described.
Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as example
implementations enabling the input-mode notification for a
multi-input mode.
* * * * *