Display Power-State Coordination for Connected Computing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in accessing and managing the power state of computing devices, especially when they are connected to displays, as the power button may be inaccessible or inconveniently located, leading to inconsistent power states between the device and display, which can result in unusable scenarios and power inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system where a display, equipped with a user interface and communication engine, determines and manages the power state of a connected computing device, ensuring that both devices maintain synchronized and usable states by negotiating communication modes and altering power states accordingly, while providing user notifications and data continuity during transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the power button is placed on the computing device, then the device can control its own power state, but the button becomes inaccessible when the device is in certain configurations (e.g., closed clamshell laptop)
Solution Approach 1:
The display acts as an intermediary device between the user and the computing device's power state. The display receives communication from the computing device about its power state and can send commands back to change the power state, eliminating the need for a physically accessible power button on the computing device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The display serves multiple functions: it displays visual information to the user and simultaneously acts as a remote control interface for managing the computing device's power state. This multi-functionality consolidates control capabilities into a single accessible component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display and computing device operate independently with separate power states, then each device can be optimized for its own functionality, but inconsistent power states lead to unusable scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device communicates its power state to the display, and the display provides feedback to the user about the current state. This feedback mechanism ensures both devices remain synchronized and prevents unusable scenarios where one device is on while the other is off.
Solution Approach 2:
The power state management of the display and computing device is merged into a coordinated system. The display and computing device negotiate communication modes and alter power states together, ensuring they maintain synchronized states while preserving independent operational capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If the power button is moved to a convenient location, then user access is improved, but the device may be difficult to access in certain situations (e.g., device under desk, backpack computer on user's back)
Solution Approach 1:
The display serves as a remote intermediary that the user can access visually and interact with without needing to physically reach the computing device. This allows power state changes to be made efficiently from a distance, improving both accessibility and productivity.
4Speed
If the display changes power state before the computing device finishes transitioning, then the display responds quickly to user input, but the user may be unaware of indications from the computing device
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the computing device communicate its power state transitions to the display before the display actually changes its own power state. This ensures the user is notified of upcoming changes and maintains awareness of the system state throughout the transition process.
Data Source
AI summary
An example display includes a user interface. The user interface is to receive an indication to change a power state. The display includes a communication engine to determine a power state of the computing device communicatively coupled to the communication engine. The display includes a power engine to, based on the power state of the computing device, determine whether to communicate the indication to change the power state to the computing device. The power engine is to, based on the indication to change the power state, alter a power state of the display. The communication engine is to communicate the indication to change the power state to the computing device based on a determination to do so.