Display Window Minimization for Power-Saving Screen Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in extending their usable time due to high power consumption during use, with existing power-saving techniques like generating a black full-screen window not being sufficiently effective.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device minimizes the size of application windows and displays a still image on the screen when certain trigger conditions are met, such as the user's line of sight being diverted or a specific command entered, thereby reducing display processing and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the electronic device displays application windows normally, then the usability and functionality are maintained, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the window size adjustable and changeable based on usage state. The window size is dynamically modified between a first size (when the electronic device is being used) and a second size (when not being used), allowing the system to adapt to different operational conditions and optimize power consumption while maintaining usability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of window size based on the usage state of the electronic device. When the device transitions from being used to not being used, the window size parameter is modified from the first size to the second size, thereby reducing power consumption while preserving the ability to restore functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the window size is reduced to save power, then the power consumption decreases, but the display area and visibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddisplay area

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the display area dynamic by adjusting the window size according to the usage state. When power saving is needed, the window size is reduced to the second size; when usability is prioritized, the window size is restored to the first size. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between power consumption and display area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If a black full-screen window is generated to reduce power consumption, then the power saving is achieved, but the visual quality and user experience are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidvisual quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a static black full-screen window, the patent dynamically adjusts the window size to a smaller second size when power saving is needed. This approach maintains visual quality by preserving the actual window content at a reduced scale, rather than replacing it with a black screen, thus avoiding degradation of user experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12608168B2Electronic device, control method for electronic device, computer program, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a display that displays at least one window of at least one application; and a controller that controls the display. The controller acquires first trigger information for starting power saving processing, and starts the power saving processing based on the first trigger information. The controller, in an example of the power saving processing, acquires a still image based on the screen of the display, displays the still image on the display, and minimizes the size of at least one window while the still image is being displayed.