Modular sensor device for power saving of computer

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular sensor device for power saving of a computer and, more specifically, to a modular sensor device for power saving of a computer, capable of reducing unnecessary power consumption by switching a computer into a power saving mode when the computer is not used by detecting a human body, and being easily installed due to being modular.

Description

Modular sensor device for computer power saving

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor device for saving power on a computer, and more particularly, to a sensor device for saving power on a computer by switching the computer to a power saving mode depending on whether a user is detected.

[0002] Along with growing concern about environmental issues, interest in reducing carbon emissions is growing. Among the various ways to reduce carbon emissions, saving energy by reducing unnecessary energy waste in daily life is recognized as the best approach.

[0003] Computers are electronic devices used for long periods of time at home, school, and especially in the office. Reducing the energy consumed by computers in daily life can significantly save energy. In this regard, computers offer a power-saving mode that shuts down the processor while it's running, but can be restored to use upon user input.

[0004] Power-saving mode can be activated manually by the user, or automatically after a certain period of inactivity. Techniques that activate directly based on user input can waste power if the user forgets to activate the mode or is unexpectedly absent for extended periods. Furthermore, detecting use and automatically switching to power-saving mode can be problematic, as it can cause inconvenience when the device is actually in use, even when the user isn't actively interacting with it. Alternatively, power-saving mode can be activated only after a significant period of inactivity, reducing the effectiveness of the mode.

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the above problem, and to provide a modular sensor device for computer power saving that detects a human body and switches to power saving mode when the computer is not in use, thereby reducing power waste.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is not limited to the purposes mentioned above, and other purposes not mentioned can be clearly understood from the description below.

[0007] A modular sensor device for computer power saving according to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose includes a base module in which a battery for power supply is installed, a main module which is installed on the upper front side of the base module and is electrically connected to the battery to receive power, an infrared sensor for human body detection is installed on the front, and a control signal for switching the computer to power saving mode according to a value measured by the infrared sensor is generated and transmitted to a pre-paired computer.

[0008] Here, the front side of the upper rear side of the base module is installed in contact with the rear side of the main module, is electrically connected to a battery to receive power, and further includes a sensor module having a built-in human detection sensor, and when the sensor module is installed in the base module, the main module generates a control signal for switching the computer to a power saving mode based on a value measured by the human detection sensor of the sensor module.

[0009] According to the present invention, there is provided a modular sensor device for computer power saving that detects a human body and switches to power saving mode when the computer is not in use, thereby reducing power waste.

[0010] The modular sensor device for computer power saving according to the present invention provides a security function in addition to a power saving function depending on whether a human body is detected within a certain period of time, and has the effect of improving usability.

[0011] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular sensor device for computer power saving according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a modular sensor device for computer power saving according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a bottom exploded perspective view of a main module in a modular sensor device for computer power saving according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of a main module in a modular sensor device for computer power saving according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] A modular sensor device for computer power saving according to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose includes a base module in which a battery for power supply is installed, and a main module which is installed on the upper front side of the base module and is electrically connected to the battery to receive power, has an infrared sensor for detecting a human body built in, and generates a control signal for switching the computer to power saving mode according to a measurement value measured by the infrared sensor and transmits the control signal to a pre-paired computer.

[0017] Here, the front side of the upper rear side of the base module is installed in contact with the rear side of the main module, is electrically connected to the battery to receive power, and further includes a sensor module having a built-in human detection sensor, and when the sensor module is installed in the base module, the main module receives a measurement value measured by the human detection sensor of the sensor module and generates a control signal for switching the computer to a power saving mode according to the measurement value.

[0018] The above main module has a first switch for selecting an operation mode according to a user's input, and when a preset automatic operation mode is selected, it determines whether a human body is detected based on the measurement value, and when a human body is detected within a preset time, it operates in a first operation mode that generates a control signal for switching the computer to a power saving mode if a human body is not detected, depending on whether a human body is detected, and when a human body is not detected within a preset time, it operates in a second operation mode that generates a control signal for minimizing an open window on the computer if a human body is detected.

[0019] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the description of the claims. Meanwhile, the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing the embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0020] The present invention relates to a modular sensor device for computer power saving, which can reduce power wasted when a user is absent by switching a computer to power saving mode through human body detection, and which is connected to a computer through pairing in a modular manner, making it convenient to install and move.

[0021] In particular, the modular sensor device for computer power saving according to the present invention is characterized in that it can easily selectively use either the power saving function or the security function by placing it in a direction in which the user is located or not located according to the user's needs.

[0022] This feature can be achieved by a configuration that operates in either a power-saving mode or a security mode depending on whether a human body is detected within a preset time after startup.

[0023] Hereinafter, a modular sensor device for computer power saving according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0024] A modular sensor device (1000) for computer power saving according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a base module (100), a main module (200), and a sensor module (300).

[0025] The base module (100) can be equipped with a battery for power supply.

[0026] The base module (100) may be composed of a lower case (110) and a first circuit board (120).

[0027] The upper surface of the lower case (110) can be opened to provide a receiving space.

[0028] The lower case (110) may have a first exposure groove (111) formed on the upper part of the front and rear sides, respectively.

[0029] The first circuit board (120) includes a battery, a plurality of power terminals (121) installed in the front, back, left, and right directions so that they are electrically connected to the battery and have electrodes protruding toward the upper surface, and can be installed in the receiving space of the lower case (110).

[0030] A first connector (123) can be installed on the front upper surface of the first circuit board (120).

[0031] A 4-pin connector can be applied to the first connector (123).

[0032] The first connector (123) can be installed so as to be exposed to the outside through the first exposure groove (111).

[0033] The main module (200) is installed on the upper front side of the base module (100) and can be supplied with power by being electrically connected to the battery mounted on the base module (100).

[0034] The main module (200) has a built-in infrared sensor for detecting a human body, and can generate a control signal to switch the computer to power saving mode based on the value measured by the infrared sensor and transmit it to a pre-paired computer.

[0035] The main module (200) may include a first upper case (210), a second circuit board (220), and a first lower cover (230).

[0036] The first upper case (210) has an open lower portion to provide a receiving space, and a first button portion (211) is provided on the upper surface to allow a portion of the upper surface to protrude inward according to a user's pressing motion, and a plurality of first exposure holes (215) can be formed on the rear surface.

[0037] A plurality of display holes (212) may be further formed on the upper surface of the first upper case (210).

[0038] The right side of the first upper case (210) may be provided with a second button portion (213) that causes a portion of the right side to protrude inward according to the user's pressing action.

[0039] The first upper case (210) may have a second exposure groove (214) formed on the lower front side.

[0040] The second circuit board (220) is installed in the receiving space of the first upper case (210) and can be electrically connected to the first circuit board (120) of the base module (100) at the upper front side of the base module (100).

[0041] The second circuit board (220) may be equipped with a first switch (221) for selecting one of a plurality of preset operation modes according to a user's input, a first connection terminal (222) for electrically connecting to the first circuit board (120), an infrared sensor (223) for detecting a human body, and a processor (224) for receiving a measurement value by detecting a human body from either the built-in infrared sensor (223) or the sensor module (300) depending on whether the sensor module (300) is installed in the base module (100), and generating a control signal for switching the mode of the computer using the measurement value according to the operation mode selected by the first switch (223) and transmitting the control signal to a pre-paired computer.

[0042] The first switch (221) is installed at a position corresponding to the first button portion (211) of the first upper case (210) on the upper surface of the second circuit board (220), and is pressed by the user when the first button portion (211) is turned inward, thereby selecting one of a plurality of preset operation modes.

[0043] The first connection terminal (222) is installed on both left and right sides of the bottom surface of the second circuit board (220), and the electrodes of the power terminal (121) exposed on the front left and right sides of the top surface of the first circuit board (120) can be connected.

[0044] The infrared sensor (223) can be installed at a position corresponding to the first exposure hole (215) on the rear side of the bottom surface of the second circuit board (220).

[0045] The infrared sensor (223) can transmit and receive infrared rays to the outside through the first exposure hole (215) and generate a measurement value by detecting a human body.

[0046] The processor (224) is installed between the first connection terminal (222) and the infrared sensor (223) on the bottom surface of the second circuit board (220) and can be connected to the first switch (221), the first connection terminal (222), and the infrared sensor (223).

[0047] The processor (224) sequentially switches between preset operation modes according to user input via the first switch (221), and can select any one of a plurality of preset operation modes.

[0048] Here, the plurality of operation modes may include a first operation mode that switches the computer to a power saving mode upon detection of a human body, a second operation mode that minimizes all open windows on the computer and provides a security function upon detection of a human body, and an automatic operation mode that performs either the first operation mode or the second operation mode upon detection of a human body within a preset time.

[0049] That is, the automatic operation mode means selectively performing either the first operation mode, which provides a power-saving function, or the second operation mode, which provides a security function, depending on whether a human body is detected within a preset time.

[0050] The processor (224) sequentially switches between the automatic operation mode, the first operation mode, and the second operation mode according to the user's input through the first switch (221), and can select any one of the operation modes.

[0051] For example, the processor (224) may select the automatic operation mode when the first input from the user to the first switch (221) occurs, select the first operation mode when the second input occurs, select the second operation mode when the third input occurs, and select the automatic operation mode again when the fourth input occurs.

[0052] The processor (224) is connected to the base module (100) via the first connection terminal (222), and depending on whether the sensor module (300) is connected to the base module (100), it can receive a measurement value generated by detecting a human body from the sensor module (300) when the sensor module (300) is connected to the base module (100), and can receive a measurement value generated by detecting a human body from the built-in infrared sensor (223) when the sensor module (300) is not connected to the base module (100).

[0053] The processor (224) can receive measurement values ​​from the sensor module (300) or the infrared sensor (223), generate a control signal for controlling the computer using the measurement values ​​according to the selected operation mode, and transmit the control signal to a pre-paired computer.

[0054]

[0055] Specifically, referring to FIG. 4, the processor (224) selects an operation mode according to a user's input through the first switch (221) (S110), determines whether an automatic operation mode is selected (S120), and if the automatic operation mode is selected, determines whether a human body is detected using a measurement value input from the outside (S140), and if a human body is not detected, increases a non-detection time having a preset initial value (e.g., 0) by a preset value (e.g., 1) and counts the non-detection time (S150), and determines whether the counted non-detection time exceeds a preset threshold time (S160).

[0056] If the counted non-detection time does not exceed a preset threshold time, the processor (224) can return to step S140 to determine whether a human body has been detected using a measurement value input from the outside.

[0057] At this time, the determination of whether a human body has been detected using the measurement value may be made by determining that a human body has been detected if the measurement value resulting from detecting reflected infrared rays exceeds a preset threshold value, and determining that a human body has not been detected if the measurement value does not exceed the threshold value.

[0058] If the processor (224) determines in step S140 whether a human body has been detected, it can perform a first operation mode that generates a control signal to switch the computer to a power saving mode depending on whether a human body has been detected (S170).

[0059] In addition, if the processor (224) determines that the automatic operation mode is not selected in step S120, it determines whether the first operation mode is selected (S130), and if it determines that the first operation mode is selected, it can perform the first operation mode (S170).

[0060] Specifically, the processor (224) determines whether a human body has been detected using a measurement value input from the outside after the automatic operation mode is selected and a human body has been detected within a preset threshold time, or after the first operation mode is selected (S171), and if a human body has not been detected, generates a control signal for switching to a power saving mode and transmits it to a pre-paired computer, thereby switching the computer to a power saving mode (S173).

[0061] And the processor (224) determines whether a human body has been detected using a measurement value input from the outside after switching the computer to a power saving mode (S175), and if a human body has been detected, generates a control signal to release the power saving mode and transmits it to a pre-paired computer, thereby releasing the computer from the power saving mode (S177).

[0062] That is, the processor (224) can provide a power saving function by generating a control signal to switch the computer to a power saving mode when the automatic operation mode is selected and a human body is detected within a preset threshold time or when the first operation mode is selected and no human body is detected, and generating and transmitting a control signal to release the computer from the power saving mode when a human body is detected.

[0063]

[0064] If the processor (224) determines in step S160 that the counted non-detection time exceeds the threshold time and that the counted non-detection time exceeds the preset threshold time, it can perform a second operation mode that generates a control signal to minimize the open window of the computer depending on whether a human body is detected (S180).

[0065] In addition, if the processor (224) determines that the automatic operation mode is not selected in step S120, it determines whether the first operation mode is selected (S130), and if it determines that the first operation mode is not selected, it can perform the second operation mode (S180).

[0066] Specifically, the processor (224) determines whether a human body has been detected using a measurement value input from the outside after the automatic operation mode is selected and a human body has been detected within a preset threshold time, or after the automatic operation mode and the first operation mode are determined not to be selected (S181), and if a human body has been detected, a control signal for minimizing a window opened on the computer is generated and transmitted to a pre-paired computer, and the window opened on the computer can be minimized (S183).

[0067] And the processor (224) can generate a control signal to switch the computer to standby mode and transmit it to a pre-paired computer, thereby switching the computer to standby mode (S185).

[0068] That is, the processor (224) can provide a security function by transmitting a control signal to minimize the open windows of the computer and switch to standby mode when the automatic operation mode is selected and a human body is not detected within a preset threshold time or when the second operation mode is selected and a human body is detected.

[0069]

[0070] According to the above configuration, the main module (200) determines whether a human body is detected based on a measurement value input from the outside when the automatic operation mode is selected based on an input to the first switch (221), and if a human body is detected within a preset time, it generates a control signal to switch the computer to a power-saving mode if a human body is not detected, depending on whether a human body is detected, and operates in a first operation mode that provides a power-saving function, and if a human body is not detected within a preset time, it generates a control signal to minimize an open window on the computer if a human body is detected, depending on whether a human body is detected, and operates in a second operation mode that provides a security function.

[0071] That is, the modular sensor device (1000) for computer power saving according to the present invention can selectively provide a power saving function and a security function depending on an operation mode selected according to a user's input and whether a human body is detected within a preset time after start.

[0072] For example, a user can utilize a power saving function that switches the computer to a power saving mode when the user is not present by placing a modular sensor device (1000) facing the user for computer power saving with the automatic operation mode selected.

[0073] Additionally, the user can utilize a security feature that minimizes open windows on the computer when other people appear around the user by placing the modular sensor device (1000) for computer power saving facing the user's surroundings where the user cannot be detected.

[0074] The modular sensor device (1000) for computer power saving according to the present invention has the advantage of high usability by providing a security function in addition to the power saving function using human body detection.

[0075] The modular sensor device (1000) for computer power saving according to the present invention can improve user convenience by enabling the user to selectively use the power saving function and security function through a simple operation of changing the arrangement direction without the user having to directly select an operation mode corresponding to the power saving function or security function.

[0076]

[0077] On the upper surface of the second circuit board (220), a plurality of LEDs (225) may be further installed at positions corresponding to the display holes (212) of the first upper case (210) and blinked by the processor (224) to indicate a status including at least one of pairing status, communication status, and operation mode.

[0078] On the upper right side of the second circuit board (220), a second switch (226) can be installed at a position corresponding to the second button portion (213) of the first upper case (210) to turn the pairing operation on or off according to the user's input.

[0079] A second connector (227) composed of a 4-pin connector and a third connector (228) composed of a USB connector can be installed on the upper front side and the lower front side of the second circuit board (220), respectively.

[0080] The second connector (227) and the third connector (228) can be exposed to the outside through the second exposure groove (214) of the first upper case (210).

[0081] The first lower cover (230) can be installed on the lower part of the first upper case (210) with the second circuit board (220) interposed therebetween.

[0082] The first lower cover (230) may include a first support bar (231) installed vertically in multiple numbers on both sides of the upper portion, and a first insertion hole (232) formed through the first connection terminal (222) into which the lower end of the first connection terminal (222) is inserted.

[0083] The first mounting bar (231) is installed on the lower part of the first upper case (210) so that the first lower cover (230) is spaced apart from the second circuit board (220) by mounting the second circuit board (220) on the upper part.

[0084] The sensor module (300) is installed on the upper rear side of the base module (100) so that its front is in contact with the rear side of the main module (200), is electrically connected to the battery of the base module (100) to receive power, and may have a built-in human body detection sensor.

[0085] The sensor module (300) may include a second upper case (310), a third circuit board (320), and a second lower cover (330).

[0086] The second upper case (310) has an open lower surface to provide a receiving space, and a second exposure hole (311) can be formed through the upper surface.

[0087] The third circuit board (320) is installed in the receiving space of the second upper case (310) and can be electrically connected to the first circuit board (120) of the base module (100) at the upper rear side of the base module (100).

[0088]

[0089] The third circuit board (320) may include a second connection terminal (321) for electrical connection with the first circuit board (120) and a human body detection sensor (322) for detecting a human body.

[0090] The second connection terminal (321) is installed on both left and right sides of the bottom surface of the third circuit board (320), and the electrodes of the power terminal (121) exposed on the left and right sides of the upper rear surface of the first circuit board (120) can be connected.

[0091] The human body detection sensor (322) may be a PIR sensor or a ToF sensor.

[0092] The human body detection sensor (322) is exposed to the outside through the exposure hole (311) of the second upper case (310) and can generate a measurement value by detecting a human body.

[0093] The measurement value generated from the human body detection sensor (322) can be input to the main module (200) via the base module (100) through the second connection terminal (321).

[0094] The second lower cover (330) can be installed on the lower part of the second upper case (310) with the third circuit board (320) interposed therebetween.

[0095] The second lower cover (330) may include a second support bar (331) installed vertically on each of the upper sides and a second insertion hole (332) formed through which the lower end of the second connection terminal (321) is inserted.

[0096] The second mounting bar (331) is installed on the lower part of the second upper case (310) so that the second lower cover (330) is spaced apart from the third circuit board (320) by mounting the third circuit board (320) on the upper part.

[0097] The modular sensor device (1000) for computer power saving according to the present invention has the advantage of being modular and easy to install and move.

[0098] In addition, the modular sensor device (1000) for computer power saving according to the present invention can increase usability by providing a security function that minimizes open windows on the computer when a human body is detected, in addition to a power saving function that saves the computer power when a human body is not detected according to an operation mode selected by a user.

[0099] In particular, by selectively performing power saving and security functions based on whether a human body is detected within a certain period of time after starting, it is expected that the user will have the advantage of easily utilizing power saving or security functions simply by changing the orientation of the device.

[0100] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims below rather than the detailed description above, and all changes or modifications derived from the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0101] The modular sensor device for computer power saving according to the present invention can be used in technical fields such as computer power saving.

Claims

1. A base module in which a battery for power supply is installed; and A modular sensor device for computer power saving, comprising a main module installed on the upper front side of the base module, electrically connected to the battery to receive power, having a built-in infrared sensor for human body detection, and generating a control signal for switching the computer to power saving mode based on a measurement value measured by the infrared sensor and transmitting the signal to a pre-paired computer.

2. In paragraph 1, A sensor module is further included, the front of which is installed on the upper rear side of the base module so as to be in contact with the rear of the main module, is electrically connected to the battery to receive power, and has a built-in human detection sensor; The above main module is When the above sensor module is installed in the above base module, it receives the measurement value measured by the human body detection sensor of the above sensor module and generates a control signal to switch the computer to power saving mode according to the measurement value. Modular sensor device for computer power saving.

3. In paragraph 2, The above main module is It has a first switch for selecting an operation mode according to user input, and when a preset automatic operation mode is selected, it determines whether a human body is detected according to the above measurement value. If a human body is detected within a preset time, it operates in the first operation mode, which generates a control signal to switch the computer to power saving mode if a human body is not detected, depending on whether a human body is detected. If a human body is not detected within a preset time, the second operation mode operates to generate a control signal to minimize the open window on the computer when a human body is detected, depending on whether a human body is detected. Modular sensor device for computer power saving.

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