Thermal Sensor Audio Activation for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Always-on technologies in devices, such as microphones, continuously consume significant power, leading to rapid battery drain, as they remain active even when not in use, despite existing power-saving techniques like duty cycling and low-power processors.
Innovation Solution
Implementing thermal sensors to detect human presence, allowing audio input devices to activate only when a human user is detected, thereby conserving battery power by keeping sensors active only when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If audio input devices remain always-on to receive user input, then user input capability is maintained, but power consumption increases rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection using thermal sensors to identify human presence before activating the audio input device. This preliminary action allows the device to prepare for potential user input without continuously operating the power-intensive audio components, thus maintaining responsiveness while reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio input device transitions from a static always-on state to a dynamic state that changes based on detected conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the audio device - remaining inactive when no human is present and activating only when thermal data indicates human presence, thereby optimizing the balance between usability and power consumption.
2Reliability
If audio input devices are activated continuously, then user input can be received at any time, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the system employs periodic sampling using thermal sensors to detect human presence. The audio input device is activated periodically only when thermal data indicates a human is present, creating a rhythm of activation that maintains input availability when needed while extending battery life through intervals of low-power operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If thermal sensors are used to detect human presence, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal sensor serves multiple functions within the system - it detects human presence for power management purposes and can potentially provide environmental context information. By making the thermal sensor multi-functional, the added complexity is justified by the dual benefits of power savings and enhanced environmental awareness, rather than adding a dedicated single-purpose component.
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 reduces power consumption by activating audio input devices only when a human user is present, significantly extending battery life by minimizing unnecessary power usage.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, using at least one thermal sensor associated with an information handling device, thermal data
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides a method, including: detecting, using at least one thermal sensor associated with an information handling device, thermal data, determining, using a processor, if the thermal data is associated with a human; and activating, based on determining that the thermal data is associated with a human, at least one audio input device associated with the information handling device. Other aspects are described and claimed.