Portable Device Mode Switching for Power and Interaction Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face challenges in managing power consumption and processor activity efficiently, particularly in balancing user interaction and battery life, as existing modes either allow full functionality or restrict all interaction to conserve power.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a second mode of operation that allows locked user interaction with specific limited user inputs, enabling users to interact with reduced functionality while minimizing power consumption and processor activity, distinct from the fully active or standby modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device operates in fully active mode to allow general user interaction with all functions, then user interaction capability is improved, but power consumption and processor activity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments user interaction into two distinct modes: a first mode allowing general unlocked user interaction with full functionality, and a second mode allowing only specific limited user inputs. This segmentation enables the device to provide appropriate interaction levels based on user needs while consuming less power when full functionality is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically switches between two operational modes based on user interaction requirements. The controller can transition from the first mode (full interaction) to the second mode (limited interaction) and vice versa, allowing the system to adapt its power consumption and interaction capabilities in real-time based on actual usage patterns.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the device enters standby mode to prevent user interaction and disable functionality, then power consumption is reduced, but user interaction capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a second mode that provides partial user interaction capability rather than complete interaction or complete restriction. This partial action mode allows specific limited user inputs (such as accepting or rejecting calls, viewing notifications) while maintaining reduced power consumption, avoiding the need to choose between full interaction and total standby.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device allows multiple applications to run simultaneously for full functionality, then application availability is improved, but processor activity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments application availability based on operational mode. In the first mode, multiple applications can run with full functionality. In the second mode, only essential functions are available while maintaining reduced processor activity. This segmentation allows the system to provide appropriate application availability based on power constraints and user needs.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: provide a first mode of operation for a portable electronic device, the first mode configured to allow general unlocked user interaction with the user interface of the portable electronic device, the first mode associated with allowing for the availability of one or more of a first level of power consumption and processor activity for the portable electronic device; provide a second mode of operation for the portable electronic device, the second mode configured to allow locked user interaction with the user interface of the portable electronic device, the second mode associated with allowing for the availability of one or more of a second level of power consumption or processor activity for the portable electronic device; and wherein the locked user interaction of the second mode of operation allows for the user to provide one or more specific limited user inputs to the portable electronic device using the user interface of the portable electronic device, to directly interact with associated second mode output provided using the user interface in the second mode of operation, the one or more specific limited user inputs not being associated with general unlocking of the portable electronic device to enter the first mode of operation.