Tap-to-Wake Computing Device Using NFC Proximity Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current computing devices require manual user intervention, such as pressing buttons or moving a mouse, to wake up from sleep states, and often necessitate additional password entry, which is inconvenient and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A tap-to-wake and tap-to-login system using a wireless communication device that detects proximity and sends an authentication request, allowing the computing device to wake up and authenticate without manual keyboard or mouse input, utilizing a wireless communication module with radio frequency signals to change power states and authenticate users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the computing device enters sleep state to reduce power consumption, then power saving is improved, but the device cannot be woken up automatically without manual user intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidwake-up operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by keeping the wireless communication module active even when the computing device is in sleep state. This allows the module to detect nearby wireless devices and initiate wake-up sequences before the user needs to manually interact with the device, thus maintaining ease of operation while preserving power savings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication module acts as an intermediary between the user's wireless device and the computing device's main processor. It handles the initial detection and wake-up signaling, allowing the main system to remain in low-power state while still responding to user needs, thus resolving the contradiction between power saving and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by stationary object

If manual keyboard or mouse input is required to wake up the device, then power consumption is reduced, but user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidwake-up convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical input methods (keyboard typing, mouse movement) with wireless communication-based detection. The wireless communication module can detect the presence and intent of a user's wireless device without requiring physical contact or mechanical input, thus improving convenience while maintaining power efficiency through selective activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically detecting when a user wants to wake the device and initiating the wake-up sequence without requiring manual keyboard or mouse input. The wireless communication module monitors for user presence and automatically triggers the appropriate response, making the system serve itself rather than requiring active user manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the computing device remains fully operational, then user convenience is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadiness for useVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamics by transitioning between different operational states based on real-time conditions. The wireless communication module dynamically adjusts its activity level, remaining in a low-power monitoring state when no user presence is detected and activating fully when a user approaches, thus optimizing the balance between readiness for use and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication module serves multiple functions: it acts as a power-saving mechanism by enabling sleep states, serves as a detection mechanism for user presence, and functions as a communication interface for wake-up signaling. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve readiness for use without requiring full operational status, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables seamless and efficient waking of computing devices from sleep states through proximity detection, eliminating the need for manual input and simplifying the login process by using wireless communication for authentication, thus enhancing user convenience and reducing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a radio of the wireless communication module is in a device-detect mode that detects a presence of the wireless communication device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency signal detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10616763B2Apparatus, system and method of waking up a computing device based on detected presence of an NFC device

Publication Date: 2020.04.07 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Described herein are techniques related to a tap-to-wake and tap-to-login system. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims. A tap-to-wake and tap-to-login system allows a user of a near field device to wake up a computing platform from a deep sleep state using a bump/tap without having to move a mouse or enter a keyboard stroke.