Biometric Display Control for Proximity-Gated Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

In scenarios where user interaction is limited, existing methods for maintaining a screen-on state on mobile devices require manual intervention, affecting user experience.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with biometric sensors and optical proximity sensors automatically adjusts the screen state based on user presence, reducing power consumption by detecting biometric features and using predefined conditions to maintain the screen-on state without continuous manual operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the screen remains on continuously without manual operation, then user experience is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experienceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic detection of biometric feature information at specific time points (first moment and second moment) rather than continuous monitoring. The screen state is adjusted periodically based on detection results, transitioning between screen-on and half-screen-off states. This periodic action reduces power consumption while maintaining the ability to respond to user presence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects biometric feature information and adjusts screen state without requiring manual user operation. The electronic device serves itself by autonomously determining when to keep the screen on or transition to half-screen-off state based on detected biometric data, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention while managing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If biometric detection is performed continuously, then screen-on state is maintained, but system power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen-on maintenanceVSAvoidsystem power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Biometric detection is performed at specific periodic intervals (first moment and second moment within the first detection window) rather than continuously. The system checks for biometric feature information only at these designated time points, reducing energy consumption while still maintaining the screen-on state when users are present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs detection at the first moment before transitioning to half-screen-off state, and potentially at the second moment to revert to screen-on state. This preliminary detection approach allows the system to proactively maintain screen-on state when needed while avoiding continuous monitoring, thereby reducing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of energy

If manual operation is required to maintain screen-on state, then power consumption is reduced, but user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device automatically maintains screen-on state by detecting biometric feature information without requiring manual user operations. The system self-manages the screen state transitions between screen-on and half-screen-off based on detected biometric data, providing user convenience while avoiding continuous manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses biometric feature information as feedback to automatically adjust screen state. When biometric features are detected, the screen remains on; when not detected, the screen transitions to half-screen-off state. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual operation while managing power consumption efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances user experience by allowing the screen to remain on without manual interaction, while minimizing power consumption through intelligent detection and efficient power management.

Implementation Method 1

an optical proximity sensor of the electronic device meets a preset condition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

detecting biometric feature information in the first detection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBiometric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4293492B1Control method for display screen, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4293492B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4293492B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4293492B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

This application provides a display screen control method and an electronic device. The method includes: An electronic device starts to perform detection based on a status of a display screen and a status of an optical proximity sensor and with reference to whether a user operation is received. In a detection process, if the electronic device detects target biometric feature information, the electronic device may control the display screen to change from a half-screen-off state to a screen-on state. Therefore, a display screen control method is provided, so that a user can turn on the display screen of the electronic device without needing to operate the electronic device. In addition, when a condition is met, the electronic device starts detection, so as to ensure real-time and efficient detection, and effectively reduce power consumption.