Controller for Device Power State Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices lack a standardized method for determining when to enter low power mode, as automatic detection is challenging due to unpredictable human behavior and scheduled approaches are not always suitable for home network appliances.

Innovation Solution

A method and controller that monitor the power states of connected devices, switching to low power mode only when all related devices are in low power mode, and vice versa, utilizing dependency relations and configuration modes to determine power state dependencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If automatic detection is used to determine when to enter low power mode, then power consumption is reduced, but reliability is worsened due to unpredictable human behavior

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpower state control accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the power states of related devices and using this information to dynamically adjust the device's own power state. The controller receives status information from other devices and automatically adjusts power consumption based on actual usage patterns, resolving the contradiction between energy savings and reliable control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If a priori scheduling based on time ranges is used, then power consumption is reduced, but adaptability is worsened because usage of home network appliances does not follow a strict schedule

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidflexibility to user behavior patterns

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static time-based scheduling to dynamic behavior-based control. Instead of following predetermined time ranges, the controller continuously adapts to actual device usage patterns and user behavior, adjusting power states in real-time based on monitored activity of related devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the device monitors all related devices continuously, then reliability of power state control is improved, but use of energy is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower state control accuracyVSAvoidmonitoring energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial monitoring by focusing only on monitoring related devices when the device itself is in active state or when power state decisions are pending. Continuous monitoring is performed only to the extent necessary for making accurate power state decisions, avoiding excessive energy consumption while maintaining control reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10038323B2Method and controller for device power state control

Publication Date: 2018.07.31 INTERDIGITAL MADISON PATENT HLDG

AI summary

A method and a controller for power state control of a device that is connected to two or more other devices are described. Also described are a method and a controller for configuring the power state control. Power states of related devices among the two or more other devices are monitored. In case all related devices among the two or more other devices are in a low power mode, the device is switched to a low power mode. Alternatively, in case all related devices among the two or more other devices are in a low power mode, the device is switched to a normal power mode. Which of the other devices are related devices is determined in a configuration procedure.