External Sensor Power Management for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems for electronic devices rely on software applications or in-built sensors, which introduce additional costs, require skilled installation, pose security issues, and are inflexible, especially for devices sensitive to hard power down.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a processor and a sensor that communicates via a communication protocol to control electric power supply, allowing for user presence monitoring and automatic powering down of devices without software installation, applicable to a wide range of electrical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If software applications are used to monitor user activity and control power saving modes, then power management functionality is achieved, but additional costs, security issues, and complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power management functionality from software-based solutions and implements it through hardware components (sensor and processor) that directly monitor user presence and control power supply. This eliminates the need for software applications, drivers, and complex configuration, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining power management functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary device that directly communicates with the processor to detect user presence and trigger power management actions. This hardware intermediary eliminates the need for software-based monitoring of mouse, keyboard, and CPU activity, simplifying the system architecture and reducing security risks associated with software eavesdropping.
2Extent of automation
If in-built sensors are integrated into devices for power monitoring, then automatic power saving is achieved, but additional costs and installation requirements are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically detect user presence through the sensor and autonomously control power supply to connected devices without requiring skilled installation or integration. The processor receives signals from the sensor and automatically executes power management decisions, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for professional installation services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal power management system that can be applied to various devices and configurations without requiring custom integration. The sensor and processor combination provides a standardized solution that works across different device types, eliminating the need for device-specific sensor integration and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Loss of energy
If hard power down is used for STB, then power consumption is reduced, but damage to STB and connected appliances may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the processor receive a signal from the sensor indicating user absence, then execute a controlled power down sequence before completely shutting off power. This preliminary detection and controlled transition prevent sudden hard power downs that could damage the STB or connected appliances, while still achieving power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by implementing a buffered power transition mechanism. The system detects user presence/absence in advance and gradually transitions power states rather than abruptly cutting power. This cushioning effect protects sensitive components from electrical shocks or data corruption that could result from hard power downs.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and an apparatus for controlling electric power supply and methods therefore are described. In particular, a system and an apparatus for powering down an electronic device and methods therefore comprises a device and a sensor. The sensor is configured for transmitting a sensing signal to the device via a communication protocol. The device comprises a processing module for receiving and processing the sensing signal, and powering down operation of the device in an event the sensor detects that the device is operating in an absence of the user.