Processor Mode Switching for Wearable Battery Conservation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable electronic devices face challenges in prolonged battery life due to their small size and power-intensive processor operations, especially when performing functions like displaying time or using sensors, which further reduces battery life.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a mode switching mechanism that turns off the processor when not in use, utilizing a motion detection sensor circuit and power management circuit to conserve power by activating the display only upon motion detection, thereby minimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the processor is kept on to provide functions like displaying time and processing sensor data, then the device functionality is improved, but the battery life is reduced due to high power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The processor dynamically switches between two operational states: fully on (first mode) for complete functionality and fully off (second mode) for minimal power consumption. This dynamic state change allows the device to adapt its power consumption level based on functional requirements, resolving the contradiction between maintaining device functionality and reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic motion detection to trigger processor activation. The motion detection sensor circuit continuously monitors for motion at low power, and only activates the processor periodically when motion is detected. This periodic activation pattern allows the device to maintain functionality when needed while minimizing power consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Duration of action of moving object

If the processor is turned off to save power, then battery life is extended, but the device cannot respond to user interactions or display information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoiddevice responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The motion detection sensor circuit serves as an intermediary between the user's physical interaction and the processor. It continuously monitors for motion at minimal power consumption and acts as a trigger mechanism that activates the processor only when user interaction is detected. This intermediary approach maintains device responsiveness to user actions while extending battery life by keeping the processor off during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If sensors are activated to detect motion and provide functions, then device functionality is enhanced, but power consumption increases due to continuous sensor operation and data processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor-based functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the functional responsibilities between the motion detection sensor circuit and the processor. The sensor circuit handles continuous low-power motion monitoring independently, while the processor is activated only when motion data requires further processing. This segmentation allows sensor-based functionality to be maintained without the continuous high power consumption that would result from keeping the processor active.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3652612B1Method and electronic device for providing mode switching and storage medium thereof
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3652612B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3652612B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3652612B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes a housing; a display configured to be disposed in the housing and to be exposed through a portion of the housing; a motion detection sensor circuit configured to be disposed in the housing; and a processor configured to be functionally connected to the motion detection sensor circuit and the display, to be turned on in a first mode, and to be turned off in a second mode, wherein, in the second mode, the motion detection sensor circuit detects a first motion associated with the electronic device, and the display displays data in response to the detection of the first motion. Other embodiments are also possible.