Track Detection Unit for Power State Switching in Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face excessive power consumption and shortened standby time due to the high power state required for recognizing user track inputs, which is inefficient compared to the lower power state when the device is off.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a processor that has two states, where the track detection unit detects user track inputs and switches the processor from a low-power state to a higher-power state only when specific conditions are met, such as when the storage capacity or power level requires assistance, to conserve energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the processor operates in the first state to recognize user track input, then the track input recognition capability is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrack input recognition capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two processing paths: a first processing unit that handles simple track detection and generates operational information, and a second processing unit that handles complex track input recognition. This segmentation allows the system to use only the necessary processing power for each task, avoiding the need to keep the high-power second processing unit constantly active.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first processing unit performs preliminary detection of track inputs and generates operational information about the detection process. This preliminary action allows the system to assess whether complex recognition is needed before activating the high-power second processing unit, thereby avoiding unnecessary power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the processor remains in the second state to extend standby time, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to recognize user track input is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandby timeVSAvoidtrack input recognition capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The first processing unit acts as an intermediary between the low-power standby state and the high-power recognition state. It continuously monitors for track inputs in a low-power mode and only triggers the second processing unit when actual track input is detected, serving as a bridge that allows the system to maintain standby capability while preserving recognition ability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different operational states based on detected conditions. The processor can transition from the low-power second state to the high-power first state when track input is detected, and return to the second state after processing. This dynamic state adjustment optimizes both standby time and recognition capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If the processor frequently switches between states to respond to user input, then track input responsiveness is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrack input responsivenessVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the system have different operational characteristics: the first processing unit operates continuously in a low-power mode providing local detection capability, while the second processing unit operates intermittently in a high-power mode providing comprehensive recognition capability. This local quality differentiation allows responsive detection without the energy cost of continuous high-power operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The first processing unit performs partial detection functions continuously, handling simple track detection without needing full recognition capability. This partial action is sufficient for maintaining responsiveness while consuming minimal energy, reserving the excessive power consumption of the second processing unit only when absolutely necessary for complex recognition tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10146345B2Electronic device having a track detection unit, and method of operating the same
Publication Date: 2018.12.04 LENOVO (BEIJING) LTD
  • US10146345B2 patent drawing
  • US10146345B2 patent drawing
  • US10146345B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device and a method for user track input detection are disclosed. One electronic device includes a processor having a first state and a second state. The processor consumes more power in the first state than in the second state. The electronic device also includes a track detection unit that detects a user track input. Operational information of the track detection unit is determined as the track detection unit detects the user track input, and, in response to the determined operational information of the track detection unit satisfying a predetermined condition, the processor switches from operating in the second state to operating in the first state.