Electronic Apparatus Power Saving Control via User Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users may erroneously recognize electronic devices as faulty when they are in a power saving mode, leading to incorrect operation, and existing power saving techniques do not adequately address this issue or account for sensor deterioration.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus with an operation status control module, sensing module, and control module that selectively sets the device into power saving or normal status based on user detection, and forcibly releases power saving mode upon operation signal input even if the user is not detected, using sensors like thermoelectric infrared, ultrasonic, or camera-based detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the electronic apparatus enters power saving status when no user is detected, then power consumption is reduced, but users may erroneously recognize the device as faulty and perform incorrect operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddevice reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors for user presence and operation signals, creating a feedback loop that detects when a user approaches or interacts with the device. This feedback mechanism allows the system to exit power saving mode appropriately, preventing users from mistakenly believing the device is malfunctioning while still achieving power savings during genuine absence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control module is pre-programmed with specific rules for exiting power saving status: it automatically wakes up when detecting operation signals or when user presence is detected within predetermined time periods. This preliminary configuration of exit conditions ensures reliable user experience while maintaining energy efficiency, as the system is already prepared to respond appropriately to user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the electronic apparatus remains in normal status continuously, then user convenience is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational status based on real-time detection of user presence and interaction. Rather than remaining statically in either normal or power saving mode, the apparatus transitions between states according to actual usage conditions, optimizing the balance between user convenience and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between normal and power saving statuses based on detected conditions. This parameter change approach allows the device to adapt its power consumption level and operational readiness according to actual user needs, achieving energy efficiency without significantly compromising user convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Extent of automation

If sensors are used to detect user presence, then automatic power saving control is achieved, but sensor deterioration may cause false detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic power saving controlVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control module acts as an intermediary between the sensor detection system and the power saving control. It processes sensor signals, applies predetermined time-based rules, and makes the final decision on whether to enter or exit power saving status. This intermediary layer compensates for sensor imperfections by using temporal logic and multiple detection criteria, ensuring reliable automatic control even when sensors deteriorate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Prevents erroneous user recognition and operation, ensures device reliability, and allows power saving status restoration even with sensor deterioration, enhancing user convenience and reducing unnecessary operations.

Implementation Method 1

using sensors like thermoelectric infrared, ultrasonic, or camera-based detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric infrared detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

using sensors like thermoelectric infrared, ultrasonic, or camera-based detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic detection: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS8229580B2Electronic apparatus, control method of electronic apparatus and power saving control device

Publication Date: 2012.07.24 HISENSE VISUAL TECH CO LTD

AI summary

According to one embodiment of the invention, an operation control module 107p controls an operation status of an electronic apparatus in response to an operation signal from an operation module. A power saving status setting module 107a sets the electronic apparatus into the power saving status when a sensing module 108 does not acquire a preset detection output (user detection). A first power saving status releasing module 107b releases the power saving status of electronic apparatus when the sensing module has acquired the preset detection output (user detection). A second power saving status releasing module 107c releases the power saving status when the operation signal is input from the operation module in the power saving status.