Electrostatic Presence Sensing for Low-Power PC Reactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for automatically reactivating PCs, such as those using infrared, ultrasonic, or electric/electrostatic charge variation sensors, face limitations including limited field of view, high energy consumption, and increased complexity, which reduce usability and battery life.
Innovation Solution
A detection method utilizing an electric and/or electrostatic charge variation sensor with a control unit that generates movement and presence signals to control PC functionalities, allowing for zero-touch access and energy-efficient reactivation without the need for continuous alternating current processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If infrared sensors are used for automatic PC reactivation, then the PC can be reactivated automatically, but the energy consumption increases and the field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module's control unit independently processes sensor signals to generate presence and movement signals without requiring the main control unit to remain active, enabling the system to serve itself for detection purposes while consuming minimal energy
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is segmented from the main control unit and assigned to a dedicated control unit within the sensor module, allowing independent operation and reducing the energy burden on the main system
2Measurement precision
If the main control unit processes sensor signals continuously, then user presence detection is accurate, but energy consumption increases and usability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing function is separated from the main control unit and assigned to a dedicated control unit in the sensor module, enabling accurate presence detection while allowing the main control unit to enter low-power states
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit in the sensor module independently performs signal processing and generates detection signals without requiring continuous involvement of the main control unit, enabling self-sufficient operation with minimal energy consumption
3Use of energy by moving object
If electric/electrostatic charge variation sensors are used, then energy consumption is reduced, but the need for alternating current detection increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit in the sensor module independently processes charge variation signals and generates presence/movement signals without requiring external processing, enabling the system to handle complexity internally while maintaining low energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The signal processing functionality is extracted from external systems and integrated into the sensor module's control unit, eliminating the need for external alternating current sources and reducing overall system complexity
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
This method simplifies detection, reduces energy consumption, and enhances usability by enabling automatic reactivation of PCs with lower costs and complexity compared to existing solutions, while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one electrode is configured to detect a respective electric or electrostatic charge variation caused by the presence of the user in a detection region of the at least one electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A detection method of a user of an apparatus is provided in which the apparatus is coupled to a charge variation sensor having a control unit and an electrode to detect an electric/electrostatic charge variation of the user. The detection method includes acquiring, through the electrode, a charge variation signal indicative of the presence of the user. A filtered signal is generated by filtering the charge variation signal. A feature signal is generated as a function of the filtered signal. A movement signal indicative of a movement of the user is generated as a function of the feature signal. A presence signal indicative of the presence of the user is generated as a function of the movement signal.