CN114724143A

CN114724143A - Method for saving power of optical identification device, optical identification electronic device and storage medium

Info

Publication number: CN114724143A
Application number: CN202110012139.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 张炜
Original assignee: Flextronics Co ltd
Current assignee: Flextronics Co ltd
Priority date: 2021-01-06
Filing date: 2021-01-06
Publication date: 2022-07-08

Abstract

The invention provides a method for saving power of an Optical Identification (OID) device, an optical identification electronic device and a storage medium. The method comprises detecting a first action of the OID device; determining whether the first action defines a single action scheduled event for restoring the OID device to a normal power mode, and determining whether the single action scheduled event is performed at a predetermined rate and for a predetermined duration. The method further comprises determining whether at least one of the plurality of subsequent actions defines, in combination with the first action, a plurality of action scheduling events for returning the OID device to the normal power mode, and switching the OID device from the standby power mode to the normal power mode in response to the determined single action scheduling event or the determined plurality of action scheduling events. The invention can save power on the optical identification device.

Description

Method for saving power of optical identification device, optical identification electronic device and storage medium

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to electronic devices incorporating Optical Identification (OID) technology, and more particularly to electronic devices, systems, and methods incorporating OID technology in power saving environments.

Background

OID devices and systems utilize optical character recognition technology, which is a technology that electronically or mechanically converts images of typed, handwritten, or printed text into machine-coded text or sound, whether from scanned documents, photographs of scenes, or subtitles superimposed on images. OID technology has established the most novel and convenient interface between printed matter and digital systems. OID systems typically include an OID device (e.g., pen, reader, stylus, etc.) and a graphic (i.e., code) encoded by the OID device that is read by the OID device. Each code consists of many dot patterns (e.g., micro-sized dot patterns or nearly invisible dot patterns) printed on almost any conventional paper. The data read by the OID device from the printed code is transmitted to a computer, smart device, or stand-alone digital content controller, thereby enabling the printed material to interact with sounds, animations, or controls. Pointing the OID device at a word, sentence, picture, etc. on the page of the book may trigger a sound or translation, repeat a word or phrase for interactive reading or enhance the educational experience.

The better OID devices are lightweight, compact, and have long battery life. In order to save power consumption of the OID device, a standby power mode is provided which selectively either slows down the clock rate of the OID device components, or stops the components from running or both. However, in the standby power mode, a reactivation signal (e.g., movement of the OID device, detection of an OID code by the OID device, change in detected temperature by the OID device, etc.) may be generated for reactivating the OID device after certain events. The sensor attached to the OID device may detect this event. However, in some cases, it is unclear whether the action detected by the sensor should be interpreted as an event for reactivating the OID device. Therefore, it is necessary to properly interpret the actions detected by the sensors in order to distinguish accidental actions from actions classified as events that reactivate the OID device, reactivate the OID device from the standby power mode to the normal power mode.

Disclosure of Invention

At least one example embodiment relates to a method for saving power on an Optical Identification (OID) device. The method includes switching, by a processor, the OID device to a standby power mode, and detecting, by the processor, a first action of the OID device. The method further comprises determining, by the processor, if the first action defines a single action scheduled event, the scheduled event for returning the OID device to normal power mode, and determining, by the processor, whether the single action scheduled event is to be performed at a predetermined rate for a predetermined duration. If the single action scheduled event is not performed at the predetermined rate and for the predetermined duration, the method includes determining, by the processor, whether at least one of the plurality of subsequent actions in combination with the first action defines a plurality of action scheduled events for restoring the OID device to the normal power mode. The method further includes the processor switching the OID device from the standby power mode to the normal power mode in response to determining to perform the single action scheduled event at a predetermined rate and for a predetermined duration, or in response to determining to define a plurality of action scheduled events at least one of a plurality of subsequent actions in combination with the first action.

At least one example embodiment relates to an Optical Identification (OID) electronic device. The OID electronic device includes: one or more sensors and a processor coupled to the one or more sensors. The processor is configured to switch the OID electronic device from a normal power mode to a standby power mode, and detect a first action of the OID electronic device. The processor is further configured to determine whether the first action defines a single action scheduled event for restoring the OID electronic device to a normal power mode; and determining whether to perform the single-action predetermined event at a predetermined rate and for a predetermined duration. If the single action scheduled event is not performed at the predetermined rate and for the predetermined duration, the processor is configured to determine whether at least one of the plurality of subsequent actions in combination with the first action defines a plurality of action scheduled events for restoring the OID electronic device to the normal power mode. The processor is further configured to switch the OID electronic device from the standby power mode to the normal power mode in response to determining that a single action scheduled event is performed at a predetermined rate and for a predetermined duration, or in response to determining that at least one of a plurality of subsequent actions in combination with the first action define a plurality of action scheduled events.

At least one example embodiment relates to a non-transitory computer-readable data storage medium storing instructions executable by a processor. The processor is configured to switch the OID electronic device from a normal power mode to a standby power mode, and detect a first action of the OID electronic device. The processor is further configured to determine whether the first action defines a single action scheduled event for restoring the OID electronic device to a normal power mode; and determining whether to perform the single action scheduled event at a scheduled rate and for a scheduled duration. If the single action scheduled event is not performed at the predetermined rate and for the predetermined duration, the processor is configured to determine whether at least one of the plurality of subsequent actions in combination with the first action defines a plurality of action scheduled events for restoring the OID electronic device to the normal power mode. The processor is further configured to switch the OID electronic device from the standby power mode to the normal power mode in response to determining that a single action scheduled event is performed at a predetermined rate and for a predetermined duration, or in response to determining that at least one of a plurality of subsequent actions in combination with the first action defines a plurality of action scheduled events.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an OID system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2A is a block diagram of an OID apparatus of an OID system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2B is a block diagram of an alternative OID apparatus of the OID system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an OID device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of saving power on an OID device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is an alternative schematic and perspective view of an OID system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with electronic devices, systems, and methods that incorporate OID technology in an energy efficient environment.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an OID system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The OID system 100 includes an OID apparatus 150 and an OID object 140 including an OID code 130. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the OID object 140 may include paper, metal, plastic, or any other material or object that may include the OID code 130. The OID device 150 includes a housing 152 having a tip 154 and a rear end 156. It will be appreciated that the housing 152 may be made of any suitable material as will occur to those skilled in the art, and may be suitably formed to house all of the components of the OID device 150. Examples of components housed in the OID device housing 152 may include a battery 160, a processor 162, one or more sensors 164, and an output device 166. The OID device housing 152 further includes an image sensor 168 disposed proximate the tip 154. An image sensor 168 is provided to read the OID code 130 on the OID object 140 and to forward the read information to the processor 162. Depending on the exact configuration and type of OID device 150, a memory may be provided that is volatile (such as Random Access Memory (RAM)), non-volatile (such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory), or some combination of the two, as discussed below with reference to fig. 2A and 2B.

Fig. 2A is a block diagram of the OID device 150 of the OID system 100 shown in fig. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The OID device 150 generally includes a battery 204, an image sensor 208, a processor 212, one or more sensors 216, an output device 220, and a memory 222. The battery 204, image sensor 208, processor 212, one or more sensors 216, and output device 120 are the same as the battery 160, image sensor 168, processor 162, one or more sensors 164, and output device 166 shown in fig. 1. The battery 204 may include one or more batteries or one or more rechargeable batteries for powering the OID device 150. The processor 212 controls the overall operation of the OID device 150 and communicates with each of the other system components. The memory 222 may include one or more storage media including, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, flash memory, permanent memory (e.g., ROM), semi-permanent memory (e.g., RAM), any other suitable type of storage component, or any combination thereof.

The image sensor 208 reads the OID code from, for example, a sheet of paper, and provides the code to the processor 212 for processing. The processor 212 processes the code into digital signals for output by the output device 220. Output device 220 may include a speaker, display device, or other output device that receives output digital signals from processor 212. The output device 220 may be integrated within the OID housing 152 or coupled to the OID device 150 by a wired or wireless connection.

The processor 212 may include any processing circuitry operable to control the operation and performance of the OID device 150. For example, the processor 212 may be used to run an operating system application, a firmware application, a media playback application, a media editing application, or any other application. In some embodiments, processor 212 may receive input signals from input components (e.g., image sensor 208) and/or drive output signals through output components (e.g., output device 220). The processor 212 may load a user interface program (e.g., a program stored in the memory 222 or another device or server) to determine how instructions or data are received, for example, via the image sensor 208, or one or more sensors 216 may manipulate the manner in which information is provided to a user through an output device 220. The processor 212 may further include a timer. The timer may include one or more circuits, such as a Real Time Clock (RTC) (or RTC circuit), for maintaining time information of the OID device 150. The timer may operate in a standby power mode under the control of the processor 212. The timer may be awakened according to a predetermined operation period in the standby power mode and may transmit a wake-up signal to wake-up the processor 212 in response to being awakened. The processor 212 may include, for example, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Microcontroller (MCU), an OID decoder, and the like.

Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an OID device 150 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The OID device 150 also includes an instruction button 308 formed on the exterior of the OID device housing 152. The command button 308 may be used to place the OID device 150 in different power modes, or to turn the OID device 150 on and off, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Alternatively, the command button 308 may be used to activate the image sensor 168 by being repeatedly pressed by a spring or capacitive touch sensor. The OID device 150 further includes an exposed portion (e.g., a hole) 158, the exposed portion 158 being disposed at the tip 154 and a lens being disposed within the exposed portion to illuminate the OID object 140 on which the OID code 130 is printed. According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, neither the instruction button 308 is required to place the OID device 150 in a different power mode, nor is it required to turn the OID device 150 on and off. Further, the command button 308 is not required to activate the image sensor 168. For example, when the OID device 150 is placed or positioned on the OID object 140 using the OID code 130, the image sensor 168 is automatically activated to read the OID code 130.

As further shown in fig. 3, the OID device 150 includes an indicator 312 disposed outside the OID device housing 152. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the indicator 312 may be a Light Emitting Diode (LED) that illuminates to indicate that the OID device 150 is in the on state. According to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, the indicator 312 may be a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) that provides status information about the OID device 150. Near the back end 156 of the OID device 150 is a speaker 304 as an output device. Fig. 3 may also include touch sensors such as capacitive touch sensor 316 and temperature sensor 320 disposed at certain locations on the exterior of the OID housing 152. The capacitive touch sensor 316 is configured to detect the amount of pressure applied to the OID device 150 when the user is operating the OID device 150. The temperature sensor 320 is provided to detect a different temperature when the user holds the OID device 150 than when the OID device 150 is not held.

Fig. 2B is a block diagram of an alternative OID device 170 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The OID device 170 may include each of the features of fig. 2A, but may also include a power management unit 250, the power management unit 250 coupled to the battery 204 and at least one of the image sensor 208, the processor 212, the one or more sensors 216, the output device 220, and the memory 222. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the power management unit 250 may include a microcontroller and may be configured to manage power functions of the OID device 170. Power management unit 250 may include its own memory (e.g., loaded with software and/or firmware), processor with input/output functionality, and timer. The power management unit 250 may be responsible for coordinating certain functions of the OID device 170, including, but not limited to, monitoring power connections and battery power; controlling power supplied to other components of the device; turning off certain components of the OID device 170 when they are idle or are deemed not currently needed to operate the OID device 170 correctly; adjust the real time clock of the OID device 170 and control various power management modes of the OID device 170.

Fig. 5 is an alternative schematic diagram of an OID system 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The OID system 500 includes an OID device 550 and an OID object 540 including an OID code. In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the OID object 540 may comprise paper, metal, plastic, or any other material or object that may comprise OID code. The OID code is printed with inks 542, 544, whereby the OID code is not visible to the human eye but can only be recognized by the OID device 550. Each OID code is formed of point codes corresponding to a specific set of values. For example, the point code may be a set of 16 points disposed in an area of 2mm × 2 mm.

As shown in fig. 5, the OID device 550 includes a tip 554, the tip 554 including a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) lens 504 as an image sensor and an infrared LED 512 for detecting OIDs printed with carbon ink encoding on a carbon ink layer 542. The OID code is invisible to the human eye. The infrared projection 516 from infrared LED 512 is absorbed by carbon ink layer 542 and CMY ink layer 544 and reflected back to CMOS lens 504 for detection. The OID device 550 generates a digital code based on the point code and stores the digital code information in a memory for later processing for output to an output device or for output to a remote device (e.g., a computer or smartphone) through wired or wireless communication.

Referring again to fig. 2A and 2B, the one or more sensors 216 are configured to detect and communicate the environment of the OID device 150 to reduce power, as described more fully below. The one or more sensors 216 may measure, for example, physical quantities or may detect the operating state of the OID device 150, and may convert the measured or detected information into electrical signals. Example sensors may include one or more motion sensors. The one or more motion sensors may include any suitable motion sensor operable to detect motion of the OID device 150. For example, one or more motion sensors may be used to detect motion events where a user carries the OID device 150, is in line with the OID device 150, places the OID device 150 in the user's pocket, bag, etc. In some embodiments, the one or more motion sensors may include one or more three-axis acceleration motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers) to detect linear acceleration in three directions (i.e., x or left/right direction, y or up/down direction, and z or front/back direction). As another example, the one or more motion sensors may include one or more single-axis or two-axis acceleration motion sensors configured to detect linear acceleration in only the x or left/right direction and the y or up/down direction, or in any other pair of directions. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more motion sensors may include electrostatic capacitive (e.g., capacitively coupled) accelerometers based on silicon micro-machined micro-electro-mechanical systems ("MEMS")) technology, including thermal-based MEMS-type accelerometers, piezoelectric-based accelerometers, piezoresistive-based accelerometers, or any other suitable accelerometers.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more motion sensors may be operable to directly detect rotation, rotational motion, angular displacement, tilt, position, orientation, motion along a non-linear (e.g., arcuate) path, or any other non-linear motion. For example, if the motion sensor is a linear motion sensor, additional processing may be used to indirectly detect some or all of the non-linear motion. For example, the motion sensor may be used to calculate the tilt of the OID device 150 with respect to the y-axis by comparing the linear output of the motion sensor to the gravity vector (i.e., static acceleration). In some embodiments, the motion sensor may alternatively or additionally comprise one or more gyroscopic sensors or gyroscopes for detecting rotational motion. For example, the motion sensor may include a rotating or vibrating element. Although the following discussion generally describes sensing motion in the context of a tri-axial accelerometer, it will be understood that the discussion may be applied to any suitable sensing mechanism or combination of sensing mechanisms provided by the motion sensor of the OID device 150 for generating motion sensor data in response to detecting motion.

Other sensors may include one or more touch sensors, such as temperature sensors and capacitive touch sensors. Further, the other sensors may include one or more of an iris scan sensor, a fingerprint scan sensor, or an illuminance sensor. Additionally, the sensor may include at least one of a posture sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a proximity sensor, an Ultraviolet (UV) sensor, or a Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) sensor.

Since the OID device 150 is battery powered, it is advantageous to place at least the image sensor 208 in a standby power mode (as discussed in more detail below) when the OID device 150 is in an idle state in order to minimize power consumption. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inactivity of the OID device 150 is configured to place the OID device 150 in a standby power mode. For example, inactivity or no movement of the OID device 150 within an interval of 30 seconds places the OID device 150 in a standby power mode. The power consumed by the standby mode is very low. The interrupt (reactivation) signal from the one or more sensors 216 during the standby power mode may be used to activate power for other portions of the OID device 150. Alternatively, the OID device 150 may be placed in a standby power mode by activating the instruction button 308.

In the standby power mode, the motion detected by the one or more motion sensors 216 of the OID device 150 includes several attributes including, for example, speed, direction, duration, force, and the like. The movement may include rocking the OID device 150 up and down or rocking the OID device 150 from side to side, tilting it towards its proximal or distal end, rolling the OID device 150 on itself, and so forth, as discussed in more detail below. Attributes associated with these movements include: duration of up-down shaking of the OID device 150; velocity of the OID device 150 being shaken up and down; the force of shaking the OID device 150 up and down, or the force of shaking the OID device 150 up and down, is compared with the force of shaking the OID device 150 left and right.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, when the one or more sensors 216 are temperature sensors, preferably the temperature sensors are arranged to measure the temperature of the OID device 150 at a location on the surface of the OID device housing 152. Ideally, the temperature sensor is mounted such that it will contact the user's hand when the OID device 150 is held in a typical position for use. In this manner, when the user is holding the OID device 150, the temperature sensor will indicate a different temperature than when the OID device 150 is not being held (e.g., when it is on a desk, etc.). The temperature sensor also preferably reacts to the ambient temperature by convective and/or radiative heating effects when heating via the user's touch is not dominant.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, when the motion sensor 216 is a capacitive touch sensor, the capacitive touch sensor may be disposed on an outer surface of the OID device housing 152. Thus, when the OID device 150 is moved or picked up by the user, the capacitive touch sensor will send a signal to the processor 212 indicating that the OID device 150 has moved.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, when the motion sensor 216 is an accelerometer, the accelerometer preferably comprises a set of linear accelerometers for detecting motion of the OID device 150 in any direction. Typically, this would require the use of three accelerometers, one for each potential axis of motion. Alternatively, the accelerometer group may include a three-axis accelerometer or one or more two-axis accelerometers. The accelerometer may be of any type, including a mass/spring accelerometer, or any other type. The accelerometer can indicate when and to what extent the device is accelerating along any axis. Alternatively, the accelerometer may only indicate acceleration generated along one or two axes.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, when the motion sensor 216 is a tilt sensor, the tilt sensor includes any device capable of sensing the tilt of the OID device 150 through tilt angle measurement or angular acceleration measurement or other means. The tilt sensor produces an output indicative of the amount of tilt experienced by the OID device 150, or produces an output from which the same information can be derived. The tilt sensor preferably detects an absolute amount of tilt from a horizontal position on one or more axes of the OID device 150, but may alternatively detect a relative amount of tilt with reference to only a previous position. Note that in one embodiment, an accelerometer may be used as a component of the tilt sensor. This is particularly true for accelerometers that can measure static acceleration. Mass/spring accelerometers detect displacement of a mass, which may be due to dynamic acceleration (e.g., caused by sudden displacement) or static acceleration (e.g., caused by gravity) caused by tilting the mass acceleration axis from the horizontal.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, when the motion sensor 216 is a touch sensor, the touch sensor detects and generates an output indicative of a condition in which the user's hand or other part of his body is in contact with either the OID device 150 or in substantial contact with the OID device 150, such as through a glove. The touch sensor is preferably a capacitive device such as those described above. Alternatively, the touch sensor includes pressure sensitive elements that sense direct contact without having to sense other proximity. Such a pressure sensitive element may be a microswitch or a solid state device (e.g., a strain gauge), or others, but is not limited to such. The touch sensors may also be distributed in two or more discrete areas on the OID device housing 152. For example, a touch sensor may include two or more separate elements that operate on the same or different principles of operation.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, when the motion sensor 216 is a gyro sensor, the sensitivity is set to an appropriate sensitivity for determining whether the OID device 150 is to be activated to prevent the overall vibration from being judged at the time of picking up the motion of the OID device 150.

Therefore, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, accidental movement of the OID device 150 in the standby power mode will not activate the wake-up action of switching the OID device 150 from the standby power mode to the normal power mode. In addition, the combination of sensors 216 will provide greater accuracy. For example, when a capacitive touch sensor is used in combination with a rotation sensor, it is easier and more accurate to distinguish the motion of the picked-up OID device 150.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the reactivation signal from the standby power mode to the normal power mode may be generated after a predetermined event (e.g., movement of the OID apparatus 150, detection of the OID code 130 by the OID apparatus 150, change in detected temperature by the OID apparatus 150, etc.) for reactivating the OID apparatus 150. The predetermined event is detected by one or more sensors 216 equipped with the OID device 150 and distinguished from unintentional actions. The predetermined event may be the performance of a single action at a rate for a duration using one of the sensors 216. Alternatively, the predetermined event may include performing a plurality of actions using the plurality of sensors at a portion of a rate, or a portion of a duration, or both a portion of a rate and a duration, or neither.

Examples of predetermined events that require a single action to be performed using one sensor at a rate for a duration of time may include shaking the OID device 150 up and down using one of the motion sensors at a rate (e.g., velocity) or force for a duration of time, such as 10 seconds; shaking the OID device 150 from side to side at a rate or force for a duration of time, e.g., 10 seconds, using one of the motion sensors; tilting the OID device 150 towards its proximal end at a rate or force for a duration of time, for example 8 seconds, using one of the motion sensors; tilting the OID device 150 towards its distal end at a rate or force for a duration of time, for example 8 seconds, using one of the motion sensors; scrolling the OID device 150 over itself at a rate or force for a duration of time, such as 8 seconds, using one of the motion sensors; or a touch sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor or a capacitive touch sensor) is pressed with a certain pressure or force for a certain duration (e.g., 10 seconds).

Another example of a predetermined time to perform the plurality of actions requiring the plurality of sensors to be used for a portion of the rate, a portion of the duration, both a portion of the rate and a portion of the duration, or both, includes performing the pick-up of the OID device 150 using one of the motion sensors 216 at a portion of the rate, a portion of the duration, both a portion of the rate and a portion of the duration, or both. Once the OID device 150 is picked up, the image sensor 208 is partially turned on. Only if the OID device 150 is positioned to read the OID code 130 will a reactivation signal be generated to fully turn on the image sensor 208 and other components.

Another example of a predetermined time required to perform the plurality of actions includes tilting the OID device in either direction using one of the motion sensors, but not both of a portion of a rate, a portion of a duration, both of a portion of a rate and a duration, or both of a portion of a rate and a portion of a duration. Once the OID device 150 is tilted, the image sensor 208 is partially turned on. Only if the OID device 150 is positioned to read the OID code 130 will a reactivation signal be generated to fully turn on the image sensor 208 and other components.

According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the above predetermined events requiring a plurality of actions may include an additional action of contacting one of the touch sensors at a portion of a rate, a portion of a duration, both a portion of a rate and a duration, or neither a portion of a rate nor a portion of a duration. This action will be provided between picking up the OID apparatus 150 or tilting the OID apparatus 150 and positioning the OID apparatus 150 over the OID object 140 to read the OID code 130.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method 400 of saving power on an OID device 150 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Although a general order of the steps of the method 400 for conserving power on the OID device 150 is shown in fig. 4, the method 400 may include more or fewer steps, or the order of the steps may be arranged differently than the steps shown in fig. 4. Further, two or more steps may be combined into one step. Generally, the method 400 begins with a START operation 404 and ENDs with an END operation 444.

The method 400 may begin at a START operation 404 and proceed to step 408 where the OID device 150 switches to a standby power mode in step 408. The OID device 150 has several power modes, such as a normal power mode (also referred to as an ON mode) that provides normal or full functionality of the OID device 150. The OID device 150 also includes a standby power mode (also referred to as a sleep mode) that provides reduced functionality of the OID device 150 to conserve power. The OID device 150 also includes an OFF power mode (also referred to as an OFF mode or power OFF) in which no functionality or only a minimal set of functionality of the OID device 150 is provided.

The OID device 150 is switched to the standby power mode by one or any combination of inactivity of the input device (e.g., image sensor 208) for a threshold duration, inactivity of one or more sensors 216 for a threshold duration, or other suitable predetermined conditions. According to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, the OID device 150 may manually enter each power mode by activating or deactivating an instruction button 308 provided on the housing of the OID device 150. When a predetermined condition for entering the standby power mode is detected or the OID device 150 is manually placed in the standby power mode, as shown in fig. 2A, the processor 212 causes the OID device 150 to switch from the normal power mode to the standby power mode, which selectively slows down the clock rate of the components of the OID device 150, selectively shuts down the components, or both. Alternatively, the power management unit 250 shown in fig. 2B controls power provided to other components of the OID device 170 including the processor 212, shuts down certain components of the OID device 170 including the processor 212, adjusts the real-time clock of the OID device 170 when these components are idle or deemed not currently necessary to properly operate the OID device 170.

After switching the OID device 150 to the standby power mode at step 408, the method 400 proceeds to step 412 where an action is detected at step 412. After the action has been detected at step 412, the method 400 proceeds to decision step 416 where the processor determines whether the action constitutes a predetermined event. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the OID device 150 monitors and detects the designated wake-up action by the one or more sensors 216 in the form of a predetermined event. In some example embodiments of the present disclosure, in the standby power mode, the OID device 150 monitors wake-up interrupts from the one or more sensors 216. The wake-up interrupt is a signal transmitted from the one or more sensors 216 to an interrupt port on the processor 212 of the OID device 150. In the example shown in fig. 2A, the processor 212 monitors and detects interrupts from one or more sensors 216. One or more sensors 216 monitor and detect a designated wake-up action (e.g., a predetermined event). The wake-up action is an action designated to cause the OID device 150 to exit or terminate the standby power mode.

If the action is a predetermined event at decision step 416, the method 400 proceeds to decision step 420 where it is determined whether the predetermined event is a single action at step 420. If the predetermined event is a single action at decision step 420, the method 400 proceeds to step 424 where it is determined whether the predetermined event is being performed at a predetermined rate at step 424. If the predetermined event is not performed at the predetermined rate in decision step 424, the method 400 returns to step 412. If the predetermined event is performed at the predetermined rate at step 424, the method 400 proceeds to step 428 where a determination is made as to whether the predetermined event is performed within the predetermined duration at step 428. If the predetermined event is not performed within the predetermined time period at step 428, the method 400 returns to step 412. However, if the predetermined event is performed within the predetermined time period at step 428, the method 400 proceeds to step 432 where the OID device 150 switches from the standby power mode to the normal power mode at step 432. After the OID device 150 switches from the standby power mode to the normal power mode at step 432, the method 400 may END at END operation 444.

If the action is not a predetermined event at decision step 416, the method 400 returns to step 412. If the predetermined event is not a single action at decision step 420, the method 400 proceeds to step 436 where a determination is made as to whether another action has been detected at step 436. If another action has not been detected at decision step 436, the method 400 returns to step 412. If another action has been detected at decision step 436, the method 400 proceeds to decision step 440 where it is determined whether the another action is part of a plurality of action scheduled events at step 440. If at decision step 440 the other action is not part of the plurality of action scheduled events, the method 400 returns to step 412. If at decision step 440 the other action is part of a plurality of action scheduled events, the method 400 proceeds to step 432 where the OID device 150 switches from the standby power mode to the normal power mode at step 432. After the OID device 150 switches from the standby power mode to the normal power mode at step 432, the method 400 may END at END operation 444.

In at least some example embodiments of the present disclosure, monitoring and detecting the designated wake-up action (predetermined event) by the one or more sensors 216 includes detecting a motion of the OID device 150. The processor 212 then determines whether the motion is a designated wake-up action based on the determined motion attributes (predetermined rate and predetermined duration).

In other embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than monitoring and detecting wake-up interrupts from one or more sensors 216, movement data may be communicated from the one or more sensors 216 to the processor 212 detecting a specified wake-up action. In such embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more sensors 216 may be placed in a standby reporting mode when the OID device 150 is in a standby power mode. In the standby reporting mode, the one or more sensors 216 transmit motion data to the processor 212 only when a threshold change in the state of the one or more sensors 216 is detected. The standby reporting mode may be contrasted with a full reporting mode, in which one or more sensors send motion data to the processor 212 at regular scan periods, regardless of their status. For example, a change in motion greater than a predetermined threshold may result in a change in state of one or more sensors 216.

When the OID device 150 is in the standby power mode, all or substantially all other functions normally performed by the processor 212 in the full power mode are disabled, including but not limited to receiving inputs other than interrupts from the one or more sensors 216. Thus, in the standby power mode, inputs from other device systems (e.g., image sensor 208) than the interrupt port of processor 212 coupled to one or more sensors 216 are not monitored or detected.

In some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 212 also switches from a system clock (not shown) to a sleep clock (not shown) in the standby power mode. In such embodiments of the present disclosure, the OID device 150 may include one or more clocks, including a system clock and a sleep clock. Alternatively, the OID device 150 may include a single clock that may be used as both a system clock and a sleep clock. The sleep clock is a low power, low frequency clock. For example, the system clock may include a voltage controlled oscillator operating at a frequency of approximately 700 to 800 megahertz (although the speed of the system clock may vary depending on the mode of the OID device 150), while the sleep clock may include a low power oscillator operating at a frequency of between 30 hertz and 60 hertz. In an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the sleep clock is run at 32 hertz to reduce power consumption compared to a system clock running at 700 to 800 megahertz.

In some example embodiments of the present disclosure, in the standby power mode, the one or more sensors 216, or a portion thereof, continue to monitor motion and detect a designated wake-up action in the standby power mode. When the OID device 150 is in the standby power mode, other motions are not detected and ignored when performed by the user.

In other embodiments of the present disclosure, in the standby power mode, more than one sensor 216 scans for motion of the OID device 150 and detects motion of the OID device 150 at a lower rate than in the full power mode to conserve power in the power battery 204. This may be in contrast to a normal power mode where scanning should be performed at a higher rate to keep up with user interaction with the one or more sensors 216. In such embodiments, the designated wake-up action (predetermined event) should be selected so as to be easily determined using a lower scan rate, while reducing or avoiding false detection of the designated wake-up action.

To eliminate accidental movement of the user, the designated wake-up action may have a threshold speed, momentum, or time, as discussed above with respect to the predetermined event. In some example embodiments, the designated wake-up action is a movement of the OID device 150 in a particular direction. The orientation of the OID device 150 may change depending on the orientation of the OID device 150, which may be detected by one or more sensors 216. This is intended to reduce the number of accidental wake-up actions, providing further power savings, while reducing wear on the OID device 150.

Using a designated wake-up action (predetermined event) limits the actions that can be switched from the standby power mode to the normal power mode region to several different actions as described above, reducing the likelihood of detecting erroneous or accidental movement of the OID device 150 as a designated wake-up action. This is intended to reduce the number of accidental wake-up actions, providing further power savings, while reducing wear on the OID device 150.

The present disclosure provides a method of saving power on an OID device 150 that uses a specified wake-up action (predetermined event) to cause a wake-up from a standby power mode. The OID device 150 ignores other actions or motions. This may avoid the need for a dedicated key, button or switch to wake up the OID device 150.

Any of the steps, functions, and operations discussed herein can be performed continuously and automatically.

The exemplary systems and methods of the present disclosure have been described with respect to OID devices. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, the foregoing description omits a number of known structures and devices. This omission is not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the claimed disclosure. Specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific details set forth herein.

Further, while the exemplary embodiments shown herein show the various components of the system collocated, certain components of the system can be located remotely, at remote locations on a distributed network (e.g., a LAN and/or the Internet), or within a dedicated system. Thus, it should be appreciated that the components of the system may be combined into one or more devices, such as servers, communication devices, or collocated on a particular node of a distributed network, such as an analog and/or digital telecommunications network, a packet-switched network, or a circuit-switched network. As can be appreciated from the foregoing description, and for reasons of computational efficiency, the components of the system may be arranged anywhere within a distributed network of components without affecting the operation of the system.

Further, it should be understood that the various links connecting the elements may be wired or wireless links, or any combination thereof, or any other known or later developed element capable of providing data to and/or from the connected elements. These wired or wireless links may also be secure links and may convey encrypted information. For example, transmission media used as links may be any suitable carrier for electrical signals, including coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, and may take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communications.

While flow diagrams have been discussed and illustrated with respect to particular sequences of events, it should be understood that changes, additions, and omissions to this order may be made without materially affecting the operation of the disclosed embodiments, configurations, and aspects.

Many variations and modifications of the present disclosure may be used. Some of the features of the present disclosure may be provided without the need to provide other features.

In yet another embodiment, the systems and methods of this disclosure may be implemented in conjunction with a special purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit elements, an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hardwired electronic or logic circuit, such as a discrete element circuit, a programmable logic device or gate array (e.g., PLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL), a special purpose computer, any comparable device, or the like. In general, any device or means capable of implementing the methods illustrated herein can be used to implement the various aspects of the disclosure. Exemplary hardware that can be used in the present disclosure includes computers, handheld devices, telephones (e.g., cellular, internet-enabled, digital, analog, hybrid, and others), and other hardware known in the art. Some of these devices include a processor (e.g., a single or multiple microprocessors), memory, non-volatile memory, input devices, and output devices. Furthermore, alternative software implementations, including but not limited to distributed processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing, can also be configured to implement the methods described herein.

In various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, the present disclosure includes components, methods, processes, systems, and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. After understanding the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand how to make and use the systems and methods disclosed herein. In various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, the present disclosure includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects hereof, including in the absence of items that may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., to improve performance, simplify operation, and/or reduce cost of implementation.

The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. For example, in the foregoing detailed description, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. Features of embodiments, configurations, or aspects of the disclosure may be combined in alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects in addition to those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.

Moreover, although the description of the present disclosure has included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects along with certain variations and modifications, other variations, and combinations, such modifications and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

Embodiments include a method for conserving power on an Optical Identification (OID) device. The method includes switching, by a processor, the OID device to a standby power mode, and detecting, by the processor, a first action of the OID device. The method further includes determining, by the processor, if the first action defines a single action scheduled event, the scheduled event for returning the OID device to a normal power mode, and determining, by the processor, whether the single action scheduled event is to be performed at a predetermined rate for a predetermined duration. If the single action scheduled event is not performed at the predetermined rate and for the predetermined duration, the method includes determining, by the processor, whether at least one of the plurality of subsequent actions in combination with the first action defines a plurality of action scheduled events for restoring the OID device to the normal power mode. The method further includes the processor switching the OID device from the standby power mode to the normal power mode in response to determining to perform the single action scheduled event at a predetermined rate and for a predetermined duration, or in response to determining to define a plurality of action scheduled events at least one of a plurality of subsequent actions in combination with the first action.

Aspects of the above-described method for saving power on an OID device include that the single action scheduled event includes an action of shaking the OID device up and down or an action of shaking the OID device left and right.

Aspects of the above-described method for saving power on an OID device include that the single-action scheduled event comprises an action of tilting the OID device towards its proximal end or an action of tilting the OID device towards its distal end.

Aspects of the above-described method for saving power on an OID device include a single action scheduled event comprising an action to flip the OID device itself.

Aspects of the above-described method for saving power on an OID device include switching the OID device to a standby power mode due to the OID device being inactive for a threshold period of time.

Aspects of the above-described method for saving power on an OID device include detecting at least one of a first action and a plurality of subsequent actions includes using at least one sensor.

Aspects of the above-described method for saving power on an OID device include the at least one sensor comprising a sensor selected from the group consisting of a motion sensor and a touch sensor.

Aspects of the above-described method for saving power on an OID device include a processor determining that a multi-action scheduled event is performed at a rate less than a predetermined rate, for a time less than a predetermined time period, or for each action of the multi-action scheduled event, at a rate and for a duration less than the predetermined rate and the predetermined duration, respectively.

Aspects of the above method for saving power on an OID device include a plurality of action scheduled events including an action to pick up the OID device and an action to place the OID device over the OID object to read the OID code.

Aspects of the above method for conserving power on an OID device include a plurality of action predetermined events including an action of tilting the OID device and an action of positioning the OID device over an OID object to read an OID code.

Aspects of the above-described method for saving power on an OID device include the plurality of action scheduled events further comprising an action of engaging a touch sensor provided on the OID device.

Embodiments include Optical Identification (OID) electronics. The OID electronic device includes: one or more sensors and a processor coupled to the one or more sensors. The processor is configured to switch the OID electronic device from a normal power mode to a standby power mode, and detect a first action of the OID electronic device. The processor is further configured to determine whether the first action defines a single action scheduled event for restoring the OID electronic device to a normal power mode; and determining whether to perform the single action scheduled event at a scheduled rate and for a scheduled duration. If the single action scheduled event is not performed at the predetermined rate and for the predetermined duration, the processor is configured to determine whether at least one of the plurality of subsequent actions in combination with the first action defines a plurality of action scheduled events for restoring the OID electronic device to the normal power mode. The processor is further configured to switch the OID electronic device from the standby power mode to the normal power mode in response to determining that a single action scheduled event is performed at a predetermined rate and for a predetermined duration, or in response to determining that at least one of a plurality of subsequent actions in combination with the first action defines a plurality of action scheduled events.

The aspects of the OID electronics described above include that the single action predetermined event comprises an action of tilting the OID electronics towards its proximal end or an action of tilting the OID electronics towards its distal end.

Aspects of the OID electronics described above include that the single action scheduled event includes an action of shaking the OID electronics up and down or an action of shaking the OID electronics left and right.

The aspects of the OID electronic device described above include that the single action predetermined event comprises an action of flipping the OID electronic device itself.

Aspects of the OID electronics described above include the OID electronics being switched to a standby power mode because the OID electronics are inactive for a threshold period of time.

Aspects of the OID electronics described above include one or more sensors detecting at least one of a first action and a plurality of subsequent actions.

Aspects of the OID electronics described above include the one or more sensors including a sensor selected from a motion sensor and a touch sensor.

The above-described aspects of the OID electronic device include the processor further configured to determine that the plurality of action scheduled events were performed at a rate less than a predetermined rate for a period of time less than a predetermined duration, and for each action of the multi-action scheduled event, performed at a rate and duration less than the predetermined rate and the predetermined duration, respectively.

Embodiments include a non-transitory computer-readable data storage medium storing instructions executable by a processor. The processor is configured to switch the OID electronic device from a normal power mode to a standby power mode, and detect a first action of the OID electronic device. The processor is further configured to determine whether the first action defines a single action scheduled event for restoring the OID electronic device to a normal power mode; and determining whether to perform the single action scheduled event at a scheduled rate and for a scheduled duration. If the single action scheduled event is not performed at the predetermined rate and for the predetermined duration, the processor is configured to determine whether at least one of the plurality of subsequent actions in combination with the first action defines a plurality of action scheduled events for restoring the OID electronic device to the normal power mode. The processor is further configured to switch the OID electronic device from the standby power mode to the normal power mode in response to determining that a single action scheduled event is performed at a predetermined rate and for a predetermined duration, or in response to determining that at least one of a plurality of subsequent actions in combination with the first action defines a plurality of action scheduled events.

Any one or more of the aspects as substantially disclosed herein are optionally combined with any one or more other aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein.

The phrases "at least one," "one or more," "or" and/or "are open-ended expressions that, in operation, are conjunctions as well as synonyms. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B or C", "one or more of A, B and C", "one or more of A, B or C", "A, B and/or C", "a, B or C" means a alone, B alone, C, A and B together, a and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

The term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein. It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," and "having" can be used interchangeably.

Aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," module "or" system. Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium.

A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

As used herein, the terms "determine," "calculate," and variations thereof are used interchangeably and include any type of method, process, mathematical operation or technique.

Claims

1. A method for conserving Optical Identification (OID) device power, the method comprising:

the processor switches the OID equipment into a standby power mode;

the processor detecting a first action of the OID device;

the processor determining whether the first action defines a single action predetermined event for restoring the OID device to a normal power mode;

the processor determining whether to perform the single action scheduled event at a scheduled rate and for a scheduled duration;

determining, by the processor, if the single action scheduled event is not performed at the predetermined rate and for the predetermined duration, whether at least one of a plurality of subsequent actions in combination with the first action defines a plurality of action scheduled events for restoring the OID device to the normal power mode; and

in response to determining that the single action scheduled event is performed at the predetermined rate and the predetermined duration, or in response to determining that the first action defines the plurality of action scheduled events in combination with at least one of the plurality of subsequent actions, the processor switches the OID device from the standby power mode to the normal power mode.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the single action predetermined event comprises an action of shaking the OID device up and down or an action of shaking the OID device left and right.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the single action predetermined event comprises an action of tilting the OID device towards its proximal end or an action of tilting the OID device towards its distal end.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of action scheduled events comprises actions of picking up the OID device and positioning the OID device over an OID object to read an OID code.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of action predetermined events comprise an action of tilting the OID device and an action of positioning the OID device above an OID object to read an OID code.

6. An Optical Identification (OID) electronic device, comprising:

one or more sensors; and

a processor coupled to the one or more sensors, wherein the processor is configured to:

switching the OID electronic device from a normal power mode to a standby power mode;

detecting a first action of the OID electronic device;

determining whether the first action defines a single action predetermined event for restoring the OID electronic device to the normal power mode;

determining whether to perform the single action scheduled event at a predetermined rate and for a predetermined duration;

if the single action scheduled event is not performed at the predetermined rate and for the predetermined duration, determining whether at least one of a plurality of subsequent actions in combination with the first action defines a plurality of action scheduled events for restoring the OID electronic device to the normal power mode; and

switching the OID electronic device from the standby power mode to the normal power mode in response to determining that the single action scheduled event is performed at the predetermined rate and the predetermined duration or in response to determining that the first action defines the plurality of action scheduled events in combination with at least one of the plurality of subsequent actions.

7. The OID electronic device of claim 6, wherein the single action predetermined event comprises an action of tilting the OID electronic device towards its proximal end or an action of tilting the OID electronic device towards its distal end.

8. The OID electronic device of claim 6, wherein the single action predetermined event comprises an action of shaking the OID electronic device up and down or an action of shaking the OID electronic device left and right.

9. The OID electronic device of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to determine to perform the plurality of action scheduled events at a rate less than the predetermined rate, or for a duration less than the predetermined duration, or to perform each action of the plurality of action scheduled events at a rate and for a duration less than a predetermined rate and a predetermined duration, respectively.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable data storage medium storing instructions executable by a processor to:

switching an Optical Identification (OID) electronic device from a normal power mode to a standby power mode;

detecting a first action of the OID electronic device;

determining whether the first action defines a single action predetermined event for restoring the OID electronic device to a normal power mode;