Sensor-Based Component Activation for Computing Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object detection systems require significant manual input and have cumbersome user interfaces, limiting their functionality and efficiency in activating device components based on detected objects and their states.

Innovation Solution

A computing device that uses a plurality of sensors to detect objects and determine their states, activating components such as microphones, cameras, or text input modes based on spatial relations and motion data, reducing the need for manual interaction and improving resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual input is required to activate device components, then user control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidextent of automation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects objects and determines their states using sensors, then autonomously activates appropriate device components without requiring user intervention. The computing device serves itself by making activation decisions based on sensor data analysis, eliminating the need for manual input while maintaining appropriate component activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical interaction (buttons, switches) with an automated sensor-based detection and control system. Sensors detect objects and their states, and the processor automatically translates this information into component activation decisions, substituting the mechanical user interface with an automated electronic control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If device components are continuously activated, then functionality is improved, but use of energy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiduse of energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically activates or deactivates device components based on real-time sensor data. Instead of continuous activation, components are activated only when and when needed according to the detected object states, creating a dynamic adaptation pattern that optimizes energy usage while maintaining necessary functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational state (activation/deactivation) of device components based on changing parameters detected by sensors. When sensor data indicates a specific object state, the system adjusts component activation status accordingly, allowing functionality to adapt to environmental changes without continuous energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Extent of automation

If sensor-based automatic activation is implemented, then extent of automation is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextent of automationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal processor-based control system that handles multiple sensor types and coordinates activation of various device components through a single integrated architecture. This multi-functional approach manages complexity by consolidating control logic in the processor rather than requiring separate dedicated circuits for each sensor-component pair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are used to detect object states, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensor outputs and object state determinations into a unified processing framework. The processor integrates data from various sensors to comprehensively determine object states and make activation decisions, merging multiple detection functions into a coordinated system that achieves high measurement precision while managing complexity through integrated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3625644B1Sensor based component activation
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP3625644B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3625644B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3625644B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are methods, systems, and devices for activating components of a computing device based on a mode associated with the state of objects including a computing device. Sensor data based sensor outputs from one or more sensors that detect one or more objects can be received. Based in part on the sensor data, the state of the one or more objects can be determined. The state of the one or more objects can include one or more spatial relations of the one or more objects with respect to a computing system. When the state of the one or more objects satisfies one or more operational criteria, a mode associated with activating a component of the computing system can be activated. The component can include a microphone component, a camera component, or a text input component. The component can be associated with performing including input detection.