Virtual Motion Fences for Mobile Device Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile devices face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption while dynamically adjusting functionality based on motion detection, as existing technologies do not effectively classify motion and trigger appropriate actions without significant energy impact.

Innovation Solution

Implementing virtual motion fences that delineate distinct motion domains, allowing mobile devices to power on or off components incrementally based on crossing predefined motion criteria, thereby conserving energy and enabling timely functionality adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If motion detection functionality is continuously active to enable dynamic adjustment of device operations, then the device can respond timely to user actions and environmental changes, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveResponse speed to motion eventsVSAvoidPower consumption of motion detection system
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of motion detection components based on detected motion characteristics. The motion detection module transitions between active and sleep states, with processing intensity adapted to the current motion domain, enabling timely response when needed while conserving energy during static periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs partial motion detection by using simplified processing for basic motion domain classification and only activating full processing capabilities when motion fences are crossed. This partial action approach maintains responsiveness to significant motion events while reducing overall computational load and power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Ease of operation

If all device components remain powered on to ensure immediate functionality, then user interaction responsiveness is maximized, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUser interaction responsivenessVSAvoidPower consumption of device components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary classification of motion using simplified algorithms and only activates full device functionality when motion fences are crossed. This preliminary action allows the device to maintain readiness for user interaction while deferring full component activation until actually needed, balancing responsiveness with energy conservation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Motion fences serve as an intermediary mechanism between motion detection and full device activation. The fence-crossing event acts as a mediator that triggers selective component activation, enabling the system to respond to user actions appropriately while avoiding unnecessary power consumption from continuously active components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If motion processing is performed continuously with high computational intensity, then motion classification accuracy is improved, but power consumption and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMotion classification accuracyVSAvoidComputational power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The motion processing system is segmented into multiple levels: basic motion detection using simple algorithms, motion domain classification using intermediate processing, and detailed motion analysis using full computational resources. This segmentation allows the system to maintain acceptable classification accuracy while significantly reducing overall power consumption by using only the necessary processing level for each situation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3005015B1Motion fencing
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 APPLE INC
  • EP3005015B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3005015B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3005015B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In some implementations, a mobile device can be configured with virtual motion fences that delineate domains of motion detectable by the mobile device. In some implementations, the mobile device can be configured to invoke an application or function when the mobile device enters or exits a motion domain (by crossing a motion fence). In some implementations, entering or exiting a motion domain can cause components of the mobile device to power on or off (or awaken or sleep) in an incremental manner.