Display Device User Presence Sensor Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy management systems for computer systems, including display devices and computing devices, are not always effective in reducing power consumption as they rely on user-configured timeout periods, which can be inconvenient or inefficient, and are not applicable to devices without internal sensors.
Innovation Solution
A display device with integrated interface circuitry, a sensor for user presence detection, and a control unit that selects energy saving modes based on user presence, transmitting control information to the computing device via a virtual control panel in the monitor command control set language, allowing for independent energy management and optimizing the operating states of both the display and computing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If timeout periods are used for energy saving mode activation, then energy consumption is reduced, but user convenience deteriorates due to unexpected deactivation during short input breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical timeout-based energy management system with an optical sensing system. The sensor detects user presence through optical means (such as infrared or ambient light detection), allowing the system to transition to energy saving modes immediately when no user is detected, eliminating the need for predetermined timeout periods and their associated trade-offs.
2Ease of operation
If timeout periods are extended to avoid user inconvenience, then user convenience is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to prolonged operation in high-power states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the time-based mechanical energy management approach with a sensor-based detection system. This allows the system to immediately respond to actual user presence conditions, transitioning to energy saving modes without delay when users are absent, thereby optimizing energy consumption without imposing timeout-related inconveniences on users.
3Loss of energy
If sensors are integrated into display devices for user presence detection, then energy management effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating user presence detection capabilities into the display device. The sensor system serves dual purposes: detecting user presence for energy management decisions and potentially serving as a wake-up source for the computing device. This approach consolidates functions that would otherwise require separate components, managing complexity through functional integration.
4Extent of automation
If the display device independently controls energy saving modes, then energy management autonomy is improved, but system coordination complexity increases due to bidirectional communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the existing display interface and control protocols as an intermediary mechanism for bidirectional communication. The display device uses standard control channels to transmit user presence information and energy saving mode selections to the computing device, while the computing device provides display signal control back to the display. This approach leverages existing communication infrastructure to manage system coordination, avoiding the need for complex dedicated communication protocols.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a display device (110, 410) comprising interface circuitry configured for receiving a display signal from an external computing device (170, 470), a display screen (150) configured for displaying the received display signal and an energy management function configured for controlling the operating state of the display device (110, 410). The display device (110, 410) further comprises a sensor (160) configured for providing at least one control signal indicative of the presence of a user in a predefined area in front of the display screen (150) and a control unit configured for selecting an energy saving mode from a plurality of energy saving modes based at least on the control signal provided by the sensor (160). The energy management function is configured to control the operating state based on the selected energy saving mode, and the interface circuitry is configured for transmitting control information regarded a determination of an operating state of the external computing device (170, 470) back to the external computing device (170, 470) . The invention also relates to a computer system (100, 400) comprising such a display device (110, 410) and a method for operating a computer system (100, 400).