Proximity Sensor Mode Shifting for Power Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information processing devices lack efficient power management, often consuming excessive energy when not in use, and struggle to accurately detect user presence for mode switching.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus equipped with a sensor unit and a shifting unit that senses user presence within specific distances, switching between standard and sleep modes based on user proximity, utilizing a pyroelectric sensor and imaging units to monitor and analyze infrared light and captured images for precise detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the information processing apparatus continuously monitors user presence to enable timely mode switching, then the responsiveness of mode change is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of sensor operation based on detected user presence. When a user is detected within the first distance, the sensor unit operates at full capacity to provide immediate response. When no user is detected, the sensor unit reduces its operation to lower power consumption, thereby dynamically balancing responsiveness and energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the sensor unit based on detected conditions. Specifically, the sensor unit adjusts its monitoring intensity and power consumption levels according to whether a user is present within the first distance, enabling the system to optimize between response speed and energy consumption by modifying sensor parameters.
2Area of stationary object
If the sensor unit operates at high sensitivity to detect users at longer distances, then the detection range is improved, but the false detection rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection space into multiple distance zones (first distance and second distance). By segmenting the detection range, the system can apply different sensitivity levels to different zones, reducing false detections in distant areas while maintaining accurate detection closer to the apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the sensor unit continuously monitors user presence and provides feedback to the controller. This feedback loop enables the system to adjust its detection sensitivity and operational mode based on actual detection results, reducing false positives while maintaining reliable user detection.
3Loss of energy
If the apparatus switches to sleep mode immediately when user presence is lost, then the power saving effect is improved, but the user experience deteriorates due to delayed response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by maintaining the sensor unit in a ready state within a closer second distance area. When a user enters this closer zone, the system is already prepared to immediately switch from sleep mode, ensuring timely response and improved user experience while still achieving significant power savings during the sleep state.
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
The apparatus effectively conserves power by switching to sleep mode when the user is not present, reducing energy consumption while ensuring timely mode changes based on user proximity, enhancing operational efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
senses a presence of a person within a second distance... utilizing a pyroelectric sensor and imaging units to monitor and analyze infrared light
Implementation Method 2
imaging units to monitor and analyze infrared light and captured images for precise detection
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a sensor unit that senses a person within a first distance from the information processing apparatus and a second distance set to be closer to the information processing apparatus than the first distance, and a shifting unit that sets the information processing apparatus to a first mode when the person is sensed within the first distance by the sensor unit, and shifts the information processing apparatus from the first mode to a second mode that consumes power less than in the first mode after the predetermined time has elapsed, the predetermined time being a time starting once the person is no longer sensed within the second distance by the sensor unit.