Touch Filter for Computing Device Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch input devices often detect inadvertent input, preventing computing devices from entering or remaining in a low power mode, leading to unnecessary power consumption and user dissatisfaction, as they may incorrectly interpret interference from other input devices as user input.
Innovation Solution
A touch filter uses touch input detection to monitor signals from touch input devices and identifies signatures from other input devices, such as a trackpad or keyboard, to determine if the computing device has been physically manipulated, allowing it to enter or remain in a power saving mode by filtering out these signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the touch input device continuously monitors touch signals to detect user input, then the device can respond to user commands, but it incorrectly detects interference from other input devices as user input, preventing the device from entering low power mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a touch filter as an intermediary component between the touch input device and the power management system. This filter analyzes touch signals and distinguishes between legitimate user input and interference from other input devices, allowing the system to enter low power mode when no actual user input is detected while maintaining responsive touch functionality during use.
2Loss of energy
If the device enters low power mode to conserve battery life, then power consumption is reduced, but the device may wake up unnecessarily due to false touch detections, increasing power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The touch filter implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors touch signals and provides information to the power management system about whether actual user input is present. This feedback loop allows the system to make informed decisions about when to enter and when to exit low power mode, reducing unnecessary wake-ups while maintaining energy savings during actual idle periods.
3Measurement precision
If the touch input device is highly sensitive to detect all touch signals, then user input is accurately detected, but inadvertent input from environmental interference is also detected, causing false wake-ups
Solution Approach 1:
The touch filter applies local quality analysis by examining the characteristics of touch signals at different locations and times. It identifies patterns specific to actual user interaction versus environmental interference, such as the temporal proximity of touches, the spatial relationship between touches, and the characteristics of the touch pressure distribution, allowing high sensitivity while filtering out false positives.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for touch detection of computing device position. A touch filter monitor signals generated by one or more touch input devices for a signature of one or more other input devices proximate to the touch input device, which may indicate a user physically manipulated the computing device to render the input device(s) inoperable, such as by closing a portable computer. The touch filter controls the computing device to enter or remain in a power saving mode based on detection of one or more signatures of one or more other input devices in a signal generated by the monitored touch input device(s).