Peripheral Input Device User Presence Detection Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic user devices, such as laptops, face challenges in managing power states efficiently, particularly in scenarios where user presence is not actively detected, leading to unnecessary transitions between power states.
Innovation Solution
The integration of user presence detection sensors in peripheral input devices, such as mice and keyboards, allows for the detection of user presence relative to these devices. This information is used to control the power state of the user device, preventing it from entering low power modes when a user is present and maintaining the device in an active state even without recent user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the device enters low power state after extended time without user input, then power consumption is reduced, but user presence detection accuracy deteriorates because traditional sensors cannot distinguish between user absence and inactivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (proximity sensor, motion sensor, ambient light sensor) into an integrated sensor system within the peripheral input device. This merging allows the system to cross-validate sensor data and accurately determine user presence even when the user is not actively interacting with the device, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while enabling power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral input device is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional input processing, user presence detection, and power state control. The sensor system serves both to detect user presence and to provide data for determining whether the device should remain in active or low power state, making the system more versatile and efficient.
2Loss of energy
If traditional motion sensors are used to detect user presence, then power consumption is reduced, but reliability deteriorates because they cannot detect stationary users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges proximity sensing capabilities with motion detection functionality. The proximity sensor can detect the presence of a user even when stationary, while the motion sensor detects movement. By combining these sensors, the system achieves reliable user presence detection across all user states (moving and stationary) without significantly increasing power consumption.
3Ease of operation
If the device remains in active state continuously, then user experience is improved by maintaining responsiveness, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the device state (active or low power) changes based on real-time sensor input. When sensors detect user presence, the device remains in active state for immediate responsiveness. When no user presence is detected, the device transitions to low power state to conserve energy. This dynamic adaptation optimizes both user experience and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system continuously provides feedback about user presence to the control logic, which adjusts the device power state accordingly. This feedback loop ensures the device responds appropriately to user needs while minimizing power consumption during periods of non-use, balancing responsiveness and energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Peripheral input devices including user presence detection sensors and related methods are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes processor circuitry to execute instructions to cause a user device to transition from a first device state to a second device state in response to an indication of a first user presence state at a first time, the first user presence state relative to a peripheral input device communicatively coupled to the user device; cause the user device to transition from the second device state to a third device state in response to an indication of a second user presence state relative to the peripheral input device at a second time; and cause the user device to transition from the third device state to the first device state in response to an indication of the second user presence state relative to the peripheral input device at a third time.