Camera-Based User Presence Detection for Power Saving Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power saving modes in electronic devices often inadvertently turn off displays during long periods of inactivity, such as when a user is passively viewing content like e-books or videos, requiring users to repeatedly intervene to maintain the viewing mode.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a camera that captures images at regular intervals during inactivity, determines if a human facial pattern is present, and adjusts the power mode accordingly, maintaining the display on if a user is detected and turning it off otherwise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the display unit is turned off automatically after no input signal is detected for a specified time, then power consumption is reduced, but user convenience deteriorates when users are passively viewing content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an camera as an intermediary sensing device to detect user presence and passive viewing states. The camera captures images and analyzes facial features (eye position, pupil movement) to determine whether the user is actively or passively viewing content, enabling the system to make informed decisions about display power management without requiring direct user input
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring user state through camera-based facial feature analysis and using this information to dynamically adjust display power mode. The control unit receives feedback from the camera about user presence and viewing state, then automatically adjusts the display power mode accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to user needs in real-time
2Measurement precision
If the camera operates continuously to detect user presence, then user presence detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by activating the camera only at specific intervals or under specific conditions (when no input signal is detected for a specified time) rather than operating continuously. The control unit activates the camera to capture images at predetermined time intervals or when triggered by inactivity detection, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adequate user presence detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by first detecting input signal inactivity for a specified time period before activating the camera. This preliminary detection phase allows the system to determine when camera activation is necessary, avoiding unnecessary camera operation and power consumption while ensuring the camera is activated only when user presence needs to be verified
Data Source
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AI summary
A control for a power saving of an electronic device is disclosed. The device includes a camera configured to be activated and then obtain an image when no input event is received within a given time after activation of a selected function. The device further includes a control unit configured to, if the obtained image contains a specific pattern, determine whether the specific pattern corresponds to a human face pattern, and to, if the specific pattern does not correspond to the human face pattern, perform a power saving control of the electronic device.