Peripheral Device Light Control Using Proximity and Ambient Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for altering the state of a light on a peripheral device, such as a keyboard, require user input or continuous detection, leading to inefficiency and potential eye strain due to inconsistent ambient light adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A method that automatically adjusts the state of a peripheral device's light based on outputs from proximity and ambient light sensors, using threshold values to determine when to turn the light on, off, or adjust its intensity, without user input, utilizing a computer driver and processor to execute these adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If detectors are always on or dependent on user inputs to alter light state, then the light can be adjusted based on ambient conditions, but power consumption increases and user focus is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight adjustment adaptabilityVSAvoiddetector power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic polling of sensor data at predetermined time intervals instead of continuous detection. The processor receives sensor outputs, compares them to threshold values, and alters light state only when changes exceed thresholds, creating a periodic check mechanism that reduces power consumption while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts light state based on sensor comparisons without requiring user input. The processor autonomously determines when to alter light state by comparing sensor outputs to threshold values, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate the need for user-triggered detections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If detectors are always on or dependent on user inputs, then light adjustment is possible, but eye strain occurs due to inconsistent ambient light adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveambient light adjustmentVSAvoideye strain
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors ambient light conditions through sensors and provides feedback to the processor. The processor compares sensor outputs to threshold values and automatically adjusts light state when changes are detected, creating a closed-loop feedback system that ensures consistent ambient light adjustment and prevents eye strain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system proactively adjusts light state before user needs arise by continuously monitoring ambient conditions. By comparing sensor outputs to threshold values in advance, the system prepares optimal lighting conditions, preventing eye strain before it occurs rather than reacting after the problem arises.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If automatic threshold-based control is implemented, then power usage is optimized and eye strain is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower usage efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses threshold values as parameters to automatically determine when light state should change. By comparing sensor outputs against predetermined threshold values, the system implements automatic control logic that optimizes power usage and reduces complexity compared to continuous monitoring or user-input-dependent systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4254148B1Altering a state of a light on a peripheral device
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SOC CIV GALILEO 2011
  • EP4254148B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4254148B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4254148B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for altering a state of a light on a first peripheral device of a computer, the computer including a processor, a memory accessible by the processor and a first peripheral device, wherein the first peripheral device comprises a first sensor configured to sense a proximity of a user to the peripheral device and a second sensor configured to determine an ambient light level in an area surrounding the first peripheral device, the method comprising: receiving, by the computer, an output from the first sensor relating to the proximity of the user to the first peripheral device and/or an output from the second sensor relating to an ambient light level in an area surrounding the first peripheral device; comparing, by the computer, the output from the first sensor and/or the second sensor with at least one threshold value , wherein the at least one threshold value comprises at least one predetermined value relating to the output of the first sensor and at least one predetermined value relating to the output of the second sensor; receiving, by the computer, an indication if the at least one threshold value has been exceeded; and if the at least one threshold value has been exceeded, executing, by the computer, a command relating to the altering of the state of the light on the first peripheral device depending on the exceeded at least one threshold value, wherein the state of the light relates to an on or off state of the light and/or an intensity of the light.