Human Stimulus Receptor Screensaver Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining device usage, such as time since last user input, are inadequate as they can incorrectly activate screensavers during active use or fail to deactivate during inactivity, leading to energy inefficiency and user inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a human stimulus receptor that detects skin conductivity, natural muscular twitch, pulse, skin temperature, and eye movement to suspend screensaver activation during device use and activate it when no stimuli are detected, with a countdown feature allowing user-set time adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If screensaver is activated based on time since last user input, then energy conservation is improved, but false activation during active use occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conservationVSAvoidaccuracy of device usage determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary component (human stimulus receptor or touch detector) that mediates between the user's passive presence and the screensaver activation system. This intermediary detects subtle physical cues (finger proximity, touch, pressure) to distinguish between active use and inactivity, preventing false screensaver activation while maintaining energy conservation goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/time-based detection system (timer measuring inactivity duration) with a sensor-based detection system (human stimulus receptor or touch detector). This substitution enables more accurate detection of user presence and intent through physical stimuli detection, resolving the contradiction between energy conservation and reliable usage determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If user input threshold is increased to prevent false screensaver activation, then reliability is improved, but energy conservation effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of device usage determinationVSAvoidenergy conservation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameters from time-based thresholds to physical stimulus thresholds (touch sensitivity, pressure levels, proximity distances). By adjusting these physical parameters, the system achieves high reliability in determining active use without needing to extend time thresholds, thereby maintaining effective energy conservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If traditional user input detection is used, then device complexity is kept low, but measurement precision of actual device usage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of detection systemVSAvoidaccuracy of device usage detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the device to self-detect usage status through integrated sensors (human stimulus receptors or touch detectors) that automatically monitor for user presence and interaction. This self-service approach improves measurement precision without significantly increasing complexity, as the detection system is built into the device's existing input mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 approach accurately determines device usage, conserving energy by activating the screensaver only when the device is inactive and ensuring user data integrity by avoiding premature activation during active use.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a human stimulus receptor that detects skin conductivity, natural muscular twitch, pulse, skin temperature, and eye movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSkin conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

Incorporating a human stimulus receptor that detects skin conductivity, natural muscular twitch, pulse, skin temperature, and eye movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNatural muscular twitch: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

Incorporating a human stimulus receptor that detects skin conductivity, natural muscular twitch, pulse, skin temperature, and eye movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulse: Vibration

Implementation Method 4

Incorporating a human stimulus receptor that detects skin conductivity, natural muscular twitch, pulse, skin temperature, and eye movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSkin temperature: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS8977326B2Human stimulus activation and deactivation of a screensaver

Publication Date: 2015.03.10 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to an electronic device having a human stimulus receptor which, when activated, suspends activation of a screensaver. The screensaver is activated to conserve the power and life of the electronic device. When latently viewing the electronic device, however, the human stimulus receptor is activated. A countdown starts counting down a pre-determined amount of time once the human stimulus receptor is inactive. At the expiration of the countdown, the screensaver is activated. The human stimulus receptor responds to skin conductivity, natural muscular twitch, pulse, skin temperature, and/or eye movement. Only when the electronic device no longer detects any of these human stimuli will the countdown begin. A user may set the predetermined amount of time.