Power State Management via Capacitive Touch Pattern Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing devices, particularly mobile devices, face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption states due to the need for constant sensor operation to detect user touch, which consumes significant power and is not suitable for devices with limited battery sources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where a computing device modifies its power consumption state based on detected user touch patterns across multiple touch-sensitive surfaces, using sensors to determine when the device is being held or touched, allowing for reduced power consumption and the elimination of physical buttons, thereby optimizing power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are operated constantly to detect user touch, then user interaction detection is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from constant sensor operation to periodic sensing by entering low-power states between user interactions. Sensors are activated only when needed to detect touch events, then deactivated to conserve power, while maintaining the ability to detect subsequent user interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device monitors its own power consumption state and autonomously transitions between active and low-power modes based on detected user interactions. The system self-regulates sensor operation without requiring external power management intervention.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are activated to detect touch patterns, then detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates only the necessary subset of sensors required to detect the current touch pattern rather than all available sensors. By activating sensors partially based on the specific interaction being detected, the system achieves sufficient detection accuracy while minimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is divided into multiple independent sensors that can be selectively activated. Different sensors are activated based on the type of touch pattern being detected, allowing the system to segment sensor operation to match detection needs and reduce overall power consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient power state management by reducing power consumption, enhancing user experience, and increasing resilience to environmental conditions, while minimizing battery drain through intelligent sensor activation and deactivation based on user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical device may include one or more capacitive sensors configured to detect a discharge of electrical energy caused by user touch
Implementation Method 2
an electrical device may include one or more resistive sensors configured to detect a change in a detected resistance due to user touch
Data Source
AI summary
In general, this disclosure describes techniques for managing power consumption states of a computing device. In one example, a method includes detecting, using at least one sensor of a computing device comprising a plurality of components, at least one indication of user contact with at least one surface of the computing device, wherein the at least one indication of user contact conforms with a touch pattern. The method further includes in response to detecting the at least one indication of user contact with at least one surface of the computing device, modifying a power consumption state of the computing device, wherein which components of the computing device receive power is based on the power consumption state.