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SamsungGranted patentPhones & computersInterest 6/10

Samsung patents side sensor for swiping to control camera functions

Samsung describes a phone design where a sensor on the side edge detects vertical and horizontal swipes. When the camera app is open, these gestures control different camera settings without touching the main screen.

Why it mattersIt offers a potential alternative to on-screen buttons, allowing users to adjust camera settings with one hand while holding the device.

In the filing’s own words

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include: a camera; at least one processor comprising processing circuitry; at least one display; a sensor having a sensing region on a side surface of the electronic device; and a memory. The memory may store instructions, and at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, is configured to: execute a camera application for controlling the camera; based on the camera application being executed, sense a vertical swipe input through the sensor; control a first function of the camera, based on the vertical swipe input; sense a horizontal swipe input through the sensor; and control a second function of the camera, based on the horizontal swipe input.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An electronic device comprising: a camera disposed on a front surface or a rear surface of the electronic device; at least one processor comprising processing circuitry; at least one display disposed on the front surface of the electronic device; memory storing instructions; and at least one sensor having a sensing region on a side surface surrounding the front surface and the rear surface of the electronic device, wherein the at least one sensor is formed in a shape of a protruding button and is configured to sense a touch input and a pressure input on the side surface, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, cause the electronic device to: execute a camera application for controlling the camera; based on the camera application being executed, sense a vertical swipe input through the at least one sensor; control a first function of the camera, based on the vertical swipe input; sense a horizontal swipe input through the at least one sensor; and control a second function of the camera, based on the horizontal swipe input.

Facts

Company
Samsung (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)
Official title
Electronic device including side mounted sensor and method for controlling camera of the electronic device
Patent number
US12739495B2
Application number
18819074
Filed
Aug 29, 2024
Granted
Sep 15, 2026
Inventors
10
Claims
18

Classified under

H04N 23/62 Electricity & electronicsH04N 23/667 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.