Portable Device Backlight Control via Proximity Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable devices, such as cell phones, face battery life limitations due to backlight usage and accidental key input issues, particularly when users inadvertently activate features by placing the device near their ear.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensors like proximity sensors, accelerometers, and artificial intelligence processes to monitor user activity, allowing the device to automatically adjust settings, such as backlight control and input processing, based on detected user interactions, thereby reducing power consumption and preventing unintended operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the backlight is activated when a user enters a key input, then the display is illuminated for user interaction, but the battery power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The backlight operates periodically rather than continuously - it activates when key input is detected and deactivates after a timeout period. This periodic operation pattern reduces overall power consumption while maintaining display visibility when needed for user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the proximity sensor to control backlight operation. When the sensor detects that the device is near the user's ear, it triggers the backlight to deactivate. This feedback mechanism ensures the backlight only operates when actually needed, optimizing the balance between usability and power consumption.
2Ease of operation
If the device is placed next to the user's ear, then the user can talk on the telephone, but inadvertent key inputs may be entered
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor detects when the device is placed near the user's ear and preemptively triggers the backlight to deactivate and prevents key input processing. This preliminary anti-action stops inadvertent inputs before they can occur, maintaining reliability during normal telephone usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor acts as an intermediary between the physical act of holding the device to the ear and the potential for inadvertent key inputs. By detecting the device's proximity to the ear, it mediates the system's response to prevent false input detection while allowing legitimate telephone operation.
3Extent of automation
If sensors and AI processes are added to monitor user activity, then automatic settings adjustment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor serves multiple functions: it detects device proximity to the user's ear, triggers backlight deactivation, and prevents inadvertent key inputs. By making this single sensor multi-functional, the patent achieves high automation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts settings based on sensor input without requiring user intervention. The proximity sensor and processing system work together to self-regulate backlight operation and input sensitivity, achieving automation while keeping the added complexity minimal through straightforward sensor-based control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
The various methods and devices described herein relate to devices which, in at least certain embodiments, may include one or more sensors for providing data relating to user activity and at least one processor for causing the device to respond based on the user activity which was determined, at least in part, through the sensors. The response by the device may include a change of state of the device, and the response may be automatically performed after the user activity is determined.