Lid Angle Detection Using Low-Power Sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lid angle detection solutions for foldable electronic devices are high cost and have high power consumption, and they are unable to accurately determine the lid angle when the device is activated in an upright position or in a non-steady state.
Innovation Solution
A device with a high-powered application processor and low-powered sensor units positioned in respective lid components, where the sensor units remain on even when the device is in a sleep state, allowing them to measure acceleration and angular velocity to calculate orientations, which are then used by the application processor to estimate the lid angle upon waking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the application processor remains always active to detect lid angle in sleep state, then lid angle detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the lid angle detection function into two segments: a low-power sensor unit that operates continuously in sleep state to detect basic lid angle changes, and a high-power application processor that activates only when needed for precise measurement and complex processing. This segmentation allows the system to maintain detection accuracy while minimizing power consumption during sleep states.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit performs preliminary detection of lid angle changes continuously in the sleep state. When a change is detected, it triggers the application processor to wake up and perform precise measurement. This preliminary action by the low-power sensor prevents the need for the high-power processor to remain constantly active, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hall sensors or magnetometers are used to solve upright position detection, then detection capability is improved, but cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerometer and gyroscope in the sensor unit are designed to perform multiple functions: they detect both horizontal and upright lid angles, as well as device orientation in space. By making these sensors multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for separate hall sensors or magnetometers, thereby reducing cost and power consumption while maintaining full detection capability including upright position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the accelerometer and gyroscope to enable upright position detection. By adjusting the detection thresholds and processing algorithms, these sensors can accurately detect lid angle changes regardless of whether the device is in horizontal or upright orientation, eliminating the need for additional specialized sensors.
3Reliability
If the lid angle detection solution is always running to manage corner cases, then detection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the detection mode based on operational state. In active state, the full processing power is available for comprehensive analysis. In sleep state, the system transitions to a low-power mode where the sensor unit performs basic detection and only triggers the application processor when necessary. This dynamic adaptation maintains detection reliability across different states while optimizing power consumption.
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 solution provides an accurate, low-cost lid angle detection that functions even when the device is in an upright position or non-steady state, while reducing power consumption by allowing the device to enter a sleep state without interrupting lid angle detection.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second sensor units measure acceleration and angular velocity, and calculate orientations of the respective lid components based on the acceleration and angular velocity measurements
Implementation Method 2
the first and second sensor units measure acceleration and angular velocity, and calculate orientations of the respective lid components based on the acceleration and angular velocity measurements
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a device and method for lid angle detection that is accurate even if the device is activated in an upright position. While the device is in a sleep state, first and second sensor units measure acceleration and angular velocity, and calculate orientations of respective lid components based on the acceleration and angular velocity measurements. Upon the device exiting the sleep state, a processor estimates the lid angle using the calculated orientations, sets the estimated lid angle as an initial lid angle, and updates the initial lid angle using, for example, two accelerometers; two accelerometers and two gyroscopes; two accelerometers and two magnetometers; or two accelerometers, two gyroscopes, and two magnetometers.