Presence Sensing for Computing Devices Using Hierarchical Sensor Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices often enter power-saving modes prematurely, disrupting user experience by requiring users to re-enter credentials and take time to recover, as existing power-saving features rely on timers rather than user presence detection.
Innovation Solution
A method for computing devices to determine user presence using a combination of sensors, including image sensors for skin tone, face, and movement detection, to adjust power states based on proximity and position, thereby reducing false positives and negatives and enabling faster wake-up times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If timers are used for power saving features, then power consumption is reduced when user is not using the device, but the device may enter power saving modes prematurely disrupting user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical timer-based power saving system with a sensor-based presence detection system. Instead of relying on fixed time intervals, the device uses image sensors, depth sensors, and other sensing mechanisms to detect user presence in real-time, allowing dynamic adjustment of power states based on actual usage conditions rather than predetermined time thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensor data continuously monitors user presence and feeds back to the power management system. This enables the device to adjust its power state based on real-time detection results, preventing premature entry into power saving modes while maintaining energy efficiency when the user is actually absent.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are activated to detect user presence, then accurate presence detection is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing system into multiple hierarchical levels with different sensors having different power consumption characteristics and detection capabilities. The system activates appropriate sensors based on the specific detection task requirements, rather than continuously activating all sensors at full capacity, thereby balancing accuracy needs with power consumption constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic sensor activation where the system adjusts sensor operation modes based on real-time conditions. Sensors can be activated, deactivated, or operated at different frequencies depending on the current detection requirements, enabling flexible power management that adapts to varying accuracy needs without unnecessary power consumption.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are used for presence detection, then false positives and negatives are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor types (image sensors, depth sensors, motion sensors) into a unified presence detection framework where data from different sensors is integrated and processed together. This combining approach leverages the complementary strengths of each sensor type to achieve higher detection reliability while managing complexity through coordinated operation rather than independent parallel systems.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment may take the form of a method of operating a computing device in a reduced power state and collecting a first set of data from at least one sensor. Based on the first set of data, the computing device determines a probability that an object is within a threshold distance of the computing device and, if so, the device activates at least one secondary sensor to collect a second set of data. Based on the second set of data, the device determines if the object is a person. If it is a person, a position of the person relative to the computing device is determined and the computing device changes its state based on the position of the person. If the object is not a person, the computing device remains in a reduced power state.