Portable Device Mode Selection via Sensor-Based Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable devices lack an efficient method to dynamically adjust their operating modes and power usage based on user interaction, leading to suboptimal power management and user experience.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating sensors and an operation application that detect user presence and interaction to select and launch specific modes of operation (such as unlock, silent, entertainment, or power saving) and adjust power supply to device components accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the portable device operates with all components powered on to provide full functionality, then user experience and functionality are improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode-specific functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operating mode and power state of components based on real-time sensor input detecting user presence and interaction. The controller transitions between multiple operational modes (e.g., full functionality mode, power-saving mode, entertainment mode) to match actual usage conditions, ensuring components are powered appropriately rather than remaining constantly on

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The portable device autonomously monitors sensor data and automatically selects and switches between operational modes without requiring manual user intervention. The system self-adjusts power distribution to components based on detected usage patterns, enabling intelligent power management that extends battery life while maintaining necessary functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If the portable device uses simple presence detection to determine user interaction, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of user presence and interaction state deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor and control system complexityVSAvoiduser presence detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines multiple sensor types (proximity sensors, motion sensors, touch sensors) into an integrated sensing system that works together to detect user presence and interaction state. By merging these sensor inputs, the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring a single complex sensor, balancing accuracy with manageable device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting user presence, determining interaction state, and providing input for mode selection. This multi-functional approach allows the same sensor infrastructure to support various operational modes (unlock, silent, entertainment, power-saving) without adding separate detection systems for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9104415B2Method for selecting and launching a hybrid mode of operation for a portable device based on received sensor information and a current mode of operation

Publication Date: 2015.08.11 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

A portable device to determine whether a user is holding the portable device, launch a mode of operation of the portable device if the user is holding the portable device, and modify an amount of power supplied to a component of the portable device based on the mode of operation.