Proximity Sensor Activation via Acceleration Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile phone technologies consume excessive power due to frequent switching on and off of proximity sensors to detect the distance from a human face during calls, leading to increased power usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that activates a proximity sensor based on weighted acceleration data from an acceleration sensor, adjusting the switch-on time point to optimize the interval between sensor activations, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption by deferring switch-on times when the phone is not moving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the proximity sensor is switched on frequently at fixed intervals to detect distance in time, then the responsiveness to detect whether the mobile phone approaches or leaves the human face is improved, but the power consumption of the mobile phone increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the proximity sensor switching interval variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the switching interval based on acceleration sensor data - when the phone is stationary, the interval is extended to save power; when movement is detected, the interval is shortened to ensure timely detection. This resolves the contradiction by adapting the detection frequency to actual usage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of switching interval from a fixed value to a variable value based on acceleration conditions. By monitoring acceleration and adjusting the proximity sensor's switching interval accordingly, the system optimizes between responsiveness and power consumption - using longer intervals when stationary and shorter intervals when moving.
2Measurement precision
If the proximity sensor is switched on continuously to ensure accurate detection, then the measurement precision of distance detection is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by switching the proximity sensor on and off at controlled intervals rather than keeping it continuously on. The control unit determines optimal switching timing based on acceleration data, creating a periodic detection pattern that maintains accuracy when needed while conserving power during stationary periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the acceleration sensor's data to automatically determine when proximity detection is necessary, making the proximity sensor operate only when the phone is being moved. This self-service mechanism ensures measurement precision is maintained during movement while power consumption is reduced during stationary periods.
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 effectively reduces power consumption by optimizing the switch-on time of the proximity sensor according to the mobile phone's movement, ensuring the backlight is turned on or off only when necessary, thus prolonging the device's standby time.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a weighted acceleration of the mobile phone by using an acceleration sensor
Implementation Method 2
the proximity sensor may emit infrared rays at intervals and use reflected infrared rays to determine whether the mobile phone approaches a human face
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and an apparatus for reducing power consumption of a mobile phone and also a mobile phone. The method includes: activating a proximity sensor of a mobile phone when a call is originated or received; obtaining a weighted acceleration of the mobile phone by using an acceleration sensor; determining a switch-on time point of the proximity sensor according to the weighted acceleration of the mobile phone; and switching on the proximity sensor at the switch-on time point so that a backlight of the mobile phone is in an on state or an off state according to a detection result of the proximity sensor. In this way, an appropriate switch-on time point may be obtained according to different weighted accelerations of the mobile phone, so as to reduce power consumption of the mobile phone in a conversation.