Tablet Cover Configuration Detection Using SAR Proximity Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tablets face challenges in accurately determining and configuring user modes when attached to accessories, leading to inefficient power consumption and accidental inputs due to lack of precise mode detection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating mode sensors, such as capacitance-based SAR proximity sensors, in tablets and accessories that trigger when in close proximity, coupled with a configuration engine to determine the mode or configuration, enabling dynamic activation/deactivation of user inputs based on detected configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mode sensors are incorporated to accurately detect tablet configurations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reuses existing SAR proximity sensors, which were originally designed for radiation detection purposes, and repurposes them to also detect accessory configurations. This multi-functional approach improves measurement precision for configuration detection without adding dedicated sensors, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration engine utilizes data from existing mode sensors (SAR proximity sensors) to automatically determine tablet configurations and adjust settings. The system serves itself by using its existing sensor infrastructure for dual purposes, eliminating the need for additional dedicated configuration sensors.
2Reliability
If configuration detection is implemented to prevent accidental inputs, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration engine continuously monitors mode sensor data and dynamically adjusts tablet configurations based on detected accessory states. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate input recognition by adapting to current configurations, improving reliability without requiring complex manual intervention systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines configurations and adjusts settings using existing sensor data, eliminating the need for additional dedicated configuration detection hardware. The configuration engine serves the reliability function by autonomously managing input accuracy based on sensor readings.
3Use of energy by moving object
If dynamic activation/deactivation of user inputs is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic activation and deactivation of user inputs based on real-time configuration detection. The system adapts its operational state according to detected accessories, dynamically adjusting power consumption by enabling or disabling inputs as needed, thereby reducing overall energy usage without requiring permanent complex control mechanisms for all possible states.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration engine changes operational parameters (input activation states) based on detected configurations. By dynamically adjusting which inputs are active or inactive according to the current accessory setup, the system optimizes power consumption without implementing complex permanent control structures for all possible input combinations.
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
Enhances power conservation and prevents accidental inputs by accurately detecting tablet configurations, ensuring optimal functionality and user interaction in various modes.
Implementation Method 1
the mode sensors are capacitance-based sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Particular embodiments described herein provide for a tablet computer that can be configured to include a display, an antenna, a plurality of capacitance-based proximity sensors, and a configuration engine. The configuration engine uses the capacitance-based proximity sensors to determine a configuration of the tablet computer when the tablet computer is attached to an accessory. The capacitance-based proximity sensors can be specific absorption rate (SAR) proximity sensors used to determine when to reduce radiation from one or more antenna when the tablet computer is not coupled to the accessory and to determine a configuration of the tablet computer when the tablet computer is coupled to an accessory.