Electronic Device Noise Sensing for External Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of electronic devices in various environments leads to excessive electric energy consumption, particularly due to devices operating in idle states, resulting in unnecessary standby power consumption.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with sensors and communication capabilities determines the operational state of external devices based on noise patterns, such as sounds and vibrations, and controls them to minimize power consumption by switching them to a power-off state when idle for extended periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electronic devices operate in idle state to maintain readiness for user operation, then ease of operation is improved, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary standby power usage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereadiness for user operationVSAvoidstandby power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device autonomously monitors its own operational state through noise sensing and automatically transitions to power-off mode when idle, eliminating the need for manual user intervention to reduce power consumption while maintaining ease of operation when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors noise levels as feedback regarding device usage state, and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust power consumption by transitioning between idle and power-off states, resolving the contradiction between readiness and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of energy

If noise sensing is used to determine operational state, then power consumption can be minimized by accurate idle state detection, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandby power reductionVSAvoidsensor and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The noise sensor serves multiple functions: it detects operational state for power management, provides user interaction input, and monitors device status, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated components and minimizing the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device uses its existing processing capabilities to analyze noise patterns and make autonomous power management decisions, avoiding the need for complex external control systems and minimizing additional hardware requirements

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 solution effectively reduces unnecessary power consumption by accurately identifying idle states and automatically switching devices to a power-off state, thereby minimizing standby power usage without user intervention.

Implementation Method 1

sensing noise generated by an operation of an external device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNoise sensing: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP3884561B1Method and electronic device for controlling external device
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3884561B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3884561B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3884561B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method, performed by an electronic device, of controlling an external device is provided. The method includes sensing noise generated by an operation of the external device, determining, based on the sensed noise, whether the external device operates in an idle state, obtaining an amount of power consumed by the external device during operation when the external device operates in the idle state, and controlling the external device based on the obtained amount of power.