Portable Data Collection Device Power Management via Sensor-Based State Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable data terminals face inefficiencies in power management due to increased peripherals and the need for intuitive data organization, with existing systems either overwhelming users with data or requiring complex navigation.

Innovation Solution

A data collection device equipped with a combination ambient light and proximity sensor, a three-axis accelerometer, and timers to dynamically manage power states based on usage, automatically switching between sleep states and active modes, and optimizing power consumption by turning off unnecessary components when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If time based inactivity determination is used to put the device into low power state, then power management is implemented, but energy consumption efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-based inactivity determination with sensor-based detection systems (accelerometers, proximity sensors, light sensors) to detect actual device usage states. This substitution allows the system to transition to low power modes based on real physical activity detection rather than arbitrary time intervals, significantly improving energy efficiency by avoiding unnecessary wake-ups and maintaining power savings when the device is genuinely unused.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses its own embedded sensors to autonomously determine when to enter or exit low power states without requiring external input or complex user interaction. The accelerometers and proximity sensors continuously monitor device state and automatically trigger power management decisions, allowing the system to self-regulate energy consumption based on actual usage patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If vast amounts of diagnostic and performance data are accumulated, then comprehensive device tracking is achieved, but data organization becomes cluttered and confusing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice tracking comprehensivenessVSAvoiddata organization clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the vast amount of diagnostic and performance data into organized categories and hierarchical structures. Data is divided into functional groups (device status, performance metrics, diagnostic information) and presented through structured interfaces that allow users to navigate specific data types without being overwhelmed by the total volume. This segmentation maintains comprehensive tracking capability while improving data accessibility and clarity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors and peripherals are added to portable data terminals, then device functionality is enhanced, but power management becomes more problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidpower management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management that adjusts the operational state of each sensor and peripheral based on real-time detection of device usage. The system continuously monitors accelerometer data, proximity sensor input, and light sensor readings to dynamically transition individual components between active and low-power states. This dynamic approach allows full functionality when needed while minimizing power consumption during idle periods, resolving the contradiction between enhanced versatility and power management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 power management by reducing energy consumption through intelligent state switching and data organization, providing a clearer and more intuitive user interface for managing remote devices.

Implementation Method 1

a three-axis accelerometer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

a combination ambient light sensor and proximity sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity detection:

Implementation Method 3

a combination ambient light sensor and proximity sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAmbient light detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3454172B1Power management scheme for portable data collection devices utilizing location and position sensors

Publication Date: 2020.03.11 HAND HELD PRODS INC

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Figure 3A

AI summary

A data collection device (DCD) is placed in a first low power mode after the DCD has been in a first predetermined position, and placed in a second low power mode after a first predetermined period of time. In another embodiment the DCD includes a wireless telephone, and a proximity sensor which detects when the DCD is close to a user's face, wherein the telephone is automatically put in a handset mode when the DCD is close to a user's face, and automatically put in a speakerphone mode when the DCD is not close to a user's face.