Electronic Device Automatic Power-On via Insertion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small on/off buttons in portable electronic devices are difficult to use, requiring multiple presses and inconveniencing users.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device method that detects its insertion state in a second device, automatically switching to an 'on' state upon detection, enabling it to function as a master device and establishing a signal connection, thereby simplifying the power-on process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the electronic device is made smaller to be more portable, then portability is improved, but the on/off button becomes too small and difficult to use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidbutton usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device automatically detects its own insertion state into the second device and self-activates without requiring manual button pressing. The device monitors its operational state and autonomously transitions from off to on when inserted, eliminating the need for users to operate the small difficult-to-press button.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an automatic state detection mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the physical insertion action and the power-on function. This intermediary automatically interprets the insertion event and triggers the appropriate response, removing the need for direct user interaction with the small button.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual button pressing is required to turn on the device, then power control is achieved, but user convenience deteriorates due to multiple presses needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower-on convenienceVSAvoidtime for multiple button presses
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary detection of its insertion state automatically before the user needs to activate it. By continuously monitoring whether it is inserted into the second device, the system prepares to activate itself, eliminating the need for users to spend time pressing the button multiple times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device autonomously manages its own power state by detecting insertion and automatically turning on. This self-service capability removes the time-consuming manual button pressing operation entirely, allowing the device to activate itself based on its operational context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10360041B2Information processing method and first electronic device
Publication Date: 2019.07.23 LENOVO (BEIJING) LTD
  • US10360041B2 patent drawing
  • US10360041B2 patent drawing
  • US10360041B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method is disclosed. The method may include detecting whether a first electronic device is in an inserted state in a second electronic device. The method may include switching the first electronic device to an “on” state in response to detecting that the first electronic device is in the inserted state in the second electronic device. In particular, the first electronic device may function as a master device and the second device may function as a slave device in response to the first electronic device switching to the “on” state. An electronic device and a program product are also disclosed.