Card Reader Power Mode Switching for Battery Life and Access Speed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld electronic devices face challenges in achieving a balance between power saving and performance due to limited power capabilities, which affects battery life.

Innovation Solution

A method for operating a card reader that includes controlling it through an application programming interface (API) and a card reader management program to switch between different power-saving modes based on application usage, device state, user interaction, and memory card access history.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the card reader operates in a high-performance mode, then reading speed and responsiveness are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereading speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The card reader dynamically adjusts its operating mode between high-performance and power-saving modes based on real-time conditions. The system monitors application requirements, device state, and access patterns to determine the appropriate performance level, allowing it to optimize both speed and power consumption rather than operating in a fixed mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between different power-saving modes (first power-saving mode and second power-saving mode) with varying degrees of power consumption. This allows the card reader to adjust its performance characteristics to match actual usage scenarios, reducing power consumption when full performance is not required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the card reader frequently switches between power-saving modes, then power consumption is optimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor device state, application requirements, and access history, then automatically adjusts power-saving modes accordingly. This closed-loop control optimizes power consumption without requiring complex manual intervention, as the system self-regulates based on observed conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The card reader management program automatically manages power mode transitions without requiring user intervention. The system monitors its own state and makes autonomous decisions about when to switch between performance modes, simplifying the user experience while maintaining optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Duration of action of moving object

If the card reader enters a deep power-saving mode, then battery life is extended, but access responsiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidaccess delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares for potential access requests by monitoring access patterns and device state in advance. When access is predicted to be needed soon, the card reader maintains a higher performance state rather than entering deep power-saving mode, preventing access delays while still optimizing power consumption during sustained idle periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The card reader periodically evaluates device state and access patterns to determine appropriate power modes. This periodic assessment allows the system to balance power savings with responsiveness, switching modes based on observed usage patterns rather than remaining in a fixed state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20250362732A1Method for operating card reader

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 REALTEK SEMICON CORP

AI summary

A method for operating a card reader is provided. The card reader is part of an electronic device. The method includes the following steps: executing a plurality of pieces of code or program instructions to detect a state of the electronic device; and controlling the card reader to operate in a target power-saving mode according to the state.