Set-Top Box Power Mode Segmentation for Fast Wake-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Set-top boxes (STBs) face challenges in quickly transitioning from low-power standby modes to active modes, which is necessary for protocols like Google Cast and Apple AirPlay, due to the time-consuming power-up process from low-power standby mode, leading to inefficient power usage when quick wake-up is required.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a sensor to automatically switch between low-power and high-power standby modes based on the proximity of devices capable of generating specific wireless signals, allowing the STB to transition faster to active mode when needed, thereby optimizing power consumption and meeting quick wake-up requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the STB operates in low-power standby mode to conserve energy, then power consumption is reduced, but the wake-up time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the standby mode into two distinct states: low-power standby mode for energy conservation and high-power standby mode for fast wake-up. This segmentation allows the system to choose the appropriate mode based on whether quick wake-up is needed or not, resolving the contradiction between power saving and wake-up speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between low-power and high-power standby modes based on detected conditions (such as proximity of casting devices). This dynamic adaptation allows the STB to optimize both power consumption and wake-up performance according to actual usage scenarios, rather than being fixed in a single standby state.
2Productivity
If the STB transitions from low-power standby mode to active mode, then the system becomes operational, but the transition takes too long for protocols like Google Cast and Apple AirPlay
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by transitioning to high-power standby mode in advance when a casting device is detected. This preliminary preparation ensures that when a wake-up event occurs, the STB is already in a state that enables fast transition to active mode, satisfying the requirements of protocols like Google Cast and Apple AirPlay.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-power standby mode acts as an intermediary state between low-power standby mode and active mode. It serves as a preparatory stage that bridges the gap, allowing the system to achieve both power conservation and fast wake-up capability by using this intermediate state strategically.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the STB uses sensor-based automatic mode switching, then power management is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by using the sensor to automatically detect the presence of casting devices and autonomously switching between standby modes without user intervention. This automation optimizes power management while the complexity is managed through integrated sensor ICs that are commonly available in modern electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (power mode) based on sensor input. By monitoring parameters such as proximity detection and automatically adjusting the standby mode accordingly, the system achieves efficient power management through parameter-based control rather than complex user interfaces or manual switching mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for conserving power in an apparatus are provided. A sensor of the apparatus is configured to detect an event comprising a device having a predetermined attribute entering into a designated region surrounding the apparatus. An integrated circuit (IC) of the apparatus operable in multiple power modes. The IC is configured to transition from a low-power standby mode to a high-power standby mode upon detection of the event by the sensor. The IC is further configured to transition from either the low-power standby mode or the high-power standby mode to an active mode upon occurrence of one of multiple wakeup events. The transition from the high-power standby mode to the active mode takes less time than the transition from the low-power standby mode to the active mode.