Electronic Apparatus Power Mode Transition via Multi-Zone Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic apparatuses cannot independently set the transition points from power-saving mode to normal operating mode and vice versa, leading to inefficient energy management when using a single detection area for mode switching.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a human detector with multiple detection areas (first, second, and third) and a processor that transitions between different power-consumption modes based on the presence or absence of an observation target in these areas, allowing independent setting of transition points and optimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single detection area is used for mode switching, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different user scenarios is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection area configurationVSAvoidtransition point setting flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The detection area is segmented into multiple zones (first detection area, second detection area, third detection area) with different distances from the human detector. Each zone corresponds to different user scenarios, enabling independent transition point settings for each segment. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between different user presence situations without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple detection areas are used for independent transition setting, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransition point setting flexibilityVSAvoiddetection area configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection area is divided into multiple segments (first, second, and third detection areas) that can be independently configured. Each segment has a specific distance range from the human detector and can have its own transition points set independently, providing flexibility without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire detection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the detection areas by defining them at different distances from the human detector. This dimensional approach allows independent control of transition points for different spatial zones, enabling flexible adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple detection area configuration structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of energy

If transition points are set independently for different detection areas, then the energy management efficiency is improved, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption mode control

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power consumption modes are segmented into multiple levels (first power-consumption mode, second power-consumption mode, third power-consumption mode) corresponding to different detection area zones. Each mode can be independently controlled based on which detection area the observation target is in, enabling efficient energy management without requiring overly complex control logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power consumption parameter by transitioning between different power-consumption modes based on the detection area where the observation target is located. This parameter change approach allows efficient energy management by adjusting power consumption levels according to user presence scenarios without introducing excessive control complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20240089388A1Electronic apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2024.03.14 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An electronic apparatus includes a human detector configured to detect presence of an observation target and a processor, and a detection area of the human detector includes a first detection area, a second detection area located farther from the human detector than the first detection area is, and a third detection area that includes the second detection area and a region located farther from the human detector than the second detection area is. The processor is configured to: transition the electronic apparatus from a first power-consumption mode to a second power-consumption mode when an observation target is detected in the third detection area, power consumption being larger in the second power-consumption mode than in the first power-consumption mode; transition the electronic apparatus to a third power-consumption mode when the observation target is detected in the first detection area, the power consumption being larger in the third power-consumption mode than in the second power-consumption mode; and transition the electronic apparatus to a fourth power-consumption mode when the observation target is no longer detected in the first detection area or in the second detection area after the electronic apparatus enters the third power-consumption mode, the power consumption being smaller in the fourth power-consumption mode than in the third power-consumption mode.