Electronic Device Thermal Control Using User Interaction Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-performance electronic devices generate heat, leading to user inconvenience and potential distrust due to inconsistent performance management based on internal temperature measurements.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with sensors to detect user interaction and environmental conditions, adjusting performance by setting reference temperatures and activating limited modes to balance user experience and heat management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the electronic device maintains high performance operation, then processing capability and functionality are improved, but heat generation increases causing user inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic performance adjustment by continuously monitoring temperature sensors and modifying device operation in real-time. The processor dynamically changes performance modes (high performance, medium performance, low performance) based on current temperature conditions, creating a responsive system that adapts to thermal states rather than maintaining static operation levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by adjusting performance levels based on temperature thresholds. When temperature exceeds predetermined thresholds, the system transitions between different performance states, effectively using parameter changes to balance processing capability with thermal management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the electronic device applies consistent performance criteria based on internal temperature measurement, then performance management is simplified, but user trust deteriorates due to inconsistent performance experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance managementVSAvoiduser trust
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates multiple sensor feedback mechanisms including temperature sensors, proximity sensors, and touch sensors that continuously monitor device state and user interaction. This multi-source feedback enables the system to make informed performance adjustments that account for both thermal conditions and actual usage context, ensuring consistent and predictable performance behavior

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses multiple sensors serving various functions - temperature sensors for thermal monitoring, proximity sensors for detecting user presence, and touch sensors for contact detection. This multi-functional sensing approach allows the device to comprehensively understand usage context and adjust performance accordingly, maintaining user trust through consistent experience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the electronic device uses multiple sensors to detect user interaction and environmental conditions, then performance control accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage state detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensing functions into an integrated sensor system that collectively monitors device state. The processor consolidates information from temperature sensors, proximity sensors, and touch sensors into a unified decision-making process, managing the complexity of multiple sensors through integrated control logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3213170B1Method for controlling operation of electronic device and electronic device using the same
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3213170B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3213170B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3213170B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are an electronic device and a method for controlling an operation of the electronic device. The method may include sensing a temperature of at least one component forming a portion of the electronic device and generating a first signal based on the sensed temperature; sensing at least one of a movement of the electronic device, an approach state of an object to the electronic device, and a contact state of the object with the electronic device and generating a second signal based on at least one of the movement of the electronic device, the approach state of the object, and the contact state of the object; and controlling an operation of the at least one component based on at least one of the first signal and the second signal.