JP2014209389A - Apparatus and method for conserving power for devices - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power conservation circuit for a hand-held motion-sensing device and a method for conserving power in such devices.SOLUTION: The present disclosure provides: sensing motion of a device (400) by a sensor (402) and outputting a sense signal in response to the motion; processing the sense signal output of the sensor (402) by a processing circuit (404); selectively enabling and disabling power to the processing circuit (404) by a power management circuit (418); and providing a signal by a motion detection circuit (420) to the power management circuit (418) for enabling power to the processing circuit (404) based on the sense signal from the sensor (402). The motion detection circuit (420) differentiates the sense signal from the sensor (402) and provides a power enable signal to the power management circuit (418) if the differentiated sense signal exceeds a signal threshold.

Description

  The present disclosure relates generally to portable motion-sensitive “airborne” indicating devices, and more particularly to power saving circuits for such devices and methods for saving power in such devices having accelerometers. .

  An interactive multimedia center is characterized by an increase in the number of available programming channels and an increased amount of functionality provided. The increase in the number of available channels is due to increased program availability from services such as cable and satellite. New types of functionality include Internet recording, time shifting, and aggregation. Such an increase in available programming and functionality is usually high in environments that do not have a desktop for a mouse or keyboard, i.e. a standard input device for the typical complex user interface of a personal computer. Provides a dense and complex user interface. Rather, typical user input devices selected for television receivers and multimedia centers are one or more infrared (IR) remote controls with push buttons including arrows, keypads and dedicated function buttons. is there. Remote controls with such buttons are used for channel and function selection and on-screen navigation. However, current interactive television receivers and multimedia centers currently have too many channels and functions for such an interface to be effective, and a more efficient interface is desired.

  Desirably, such an interface and controller for the above system allows for efficient navigation, selection and activation in a high density interface that requires fewer individual buttons on the remote control, while the user is in the middle of the selection. It is possible to see the screen instead of recommon.

  In order to eliminate the drawbacks of the conventional remote control device, a device has been developed that replaces an input to the device by a button or the like with an input generated by a movement or gesture of a user having the device. Such devices track motion by sensing acceleration in the x, y, or z dimensions with motion-based sensors located on the device. The movement detected in this way is converted into an input for navigating the interface, operating an external device, simulating a user's action in the game system, and the like. In fact, motion-based sensors are among the man-machine interfaces selected for a variety of devices including game controllers, mobile hard drives, consumer remote controls, mobile phones, portable media players, personal digital assistants, among others. It is becoming.

  However, in order to detect motion, devices that include selection based on motion must sample the acceleration values intermittently to detect changes in the position of the device. For example, in a microprocessor-based device, the microprocessor must perform acceleration measurements and sample continuously. This operation consumes a large amount of power (eg, battery power in a portable device) even when the device is stopped. Therefore, there is a need for techniques for power saving in devices with such motion-based sensors.

  A power saving circuit for a portable motion-sensitive “air” indicating device and a power saving method in such a device having an accelerometer are provided. Since accelerometers are almost always operating in at least one direction, devices with such accelerometers tend to require constant power. However, most of the sensing performed by the accelerometer is not necessary or important for its function. A circuit with an op amp and diode pair as an analog differentiator allows the microprocessor used to process the direct accelerometer output to enter power-off mode and be powered on only when needed Used to change the output of the accelerometer sensor. Such a solution may allow battery-powered controllers (eg, game remotes, multimedia center remotes, etc.) to save battery power.

  According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a sensor that detects movement of an apparatus and outputs a detection signal in response to the movement, a processing circuit that processes the detection signal output from the sensor, and power to the processing circuit A power management circuit that selectively enables and disables, and an output of the detection circuit and an input of the power management circuit, and enables power to the processing circuit based on the detection signal from the sensor And a motion detection circuit for providing a signal to the power management circuit.

  In another aspect, the motion detection circuit differentiates the detection signal from the sensor and supplies a power enable signal to the power management circuit when the differentiated detection signal exceeds a signal threshold.

  In a further aspect, the sensor is a triaxial motion detection device, and the motion detection circuit is configured to detect an absolute value of a change in acceleration of at least one of the three axes. The motion detection circuit supplies a power enable signal to the power management circuit when the absolute value signal exceeds a signal threshold.

  In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a power saving method in a wireless portable motion detection controller is provided. The method detects a movement of the controller by a sensor, outputs a detection signal in response to the movement, processes the detection signal output from the sensor by a processing circuit, and outputs from the sensor Determining whether the movement of the controller exceeds a threshold based on the detection signal; and enabling power to the processing circuit if the movement exceeds the threshold.

  These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth and apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  In the drawings, like reference numerals represent like elements throughout the drawings.

2 is a block diagram of a multimedia center having a portable motion-sensitive remote control according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wireless handheld motion detection controller in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. Fig. 4 represents a plurality of gestures according to the present disclosure. 2 is a block diagram of a wireless handheld motion detection controller in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. Represents the output of a stationary accelerometer in a three-dimensional coordinate system due to the influence of gravity. 2 is a block diagram of a motion detection circuit according to the present disclosure. FIG. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a motion detection circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a motion detection circuit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an example power saving method in a wireless handheld motion detection controller in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

  It should be understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the disclosure and are not necessarily the only possible configuration for clarifying the disclosure.

  It should be understood that the elements shown in the figures may be implemented in various forms of hardware, software, or combinations thereof. Preferably, these elements are implemented in a combination of hardware and software on one or more appropriately programmed general purpose devices including a processor, memory and input / output interfaces. Here, the expression “coupled” is defined to mean directly connected or indirectly connected via one or more intermediate components. Such intermediate components may include components based on both hardware and software.

  This specification illustrates the principles of the present disclosure. Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various arrangements that embody the principles of the present disclosure and that fall within the scope of the invention can be devised without being explicitly described or illustrated herein. It is.

  All examples and conditional words listed herein are intended for educational purposes to assist the reader in understanding the concepts contributed by the inventor to the promotion of the technology and the principles of this disclosure. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to such specific examples and conditions.

  Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass structural and functional equivalents. In addition, such equivalents are intended to include both presently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any developed element that performs the same effect regardless of structure. The

  Thus, for example, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the block diagram presented here represents a conceptual diagram of an example circuit that embodies the principles of the present disclosure. Similarly, any flowcharts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudocodes, etc., are represented by a computer in a readable medium so that whether or not the computer or processor is explicitly shown, Obviously, it represents various processes performed by such computers or processors.

  The functionality of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software in conjunction with appropriate software. When provided by a processor, the functionality may be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by multiple individual processors. Some of the multiple individual processors may be shared. Furthermore, the explicit use of the word “processor” or “controller” should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, but implicitly, without limitation, a digital signal processor (DSP). ) Hardware, read only memory (ROM) storing software, random access memory (RAM), and non-volatile storage.

  Other hardware, conventional and / or custom, may also be included. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are merely conceptual. These functions may be performed by the operation of program logic, by dedicated logic, by interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or manually, and certain techniques are more specifically understood from the context. As such, it can be selected by the practitioner.

  In the claims, any element represented as a means for performing a specified function may be, for example, a) a combination of circuit elements performing that function, or b) a suitable circuit executing software to perform the function. Is intended to encompass any method of performing its function, including software, including firmware, microcode, etc., in any form combined with. The disclosure, as defined by the claims, belongs to the fact that the functions provided by the various exaggerated means are combined and grouped as required by the claims. It is thus regarded that any means that can provide those functionalities are equivalent to those shown herein.

  A power saving circuit for a portable motion sensitive “in-air” indicating device and a method for saving power in said device comprising sensors including but not limited to accelerometers, gyroscopes and the like is provided. For ease of description, the following discussion will focus on accelerometers. However, it should be understood that devices using other sensors (eg, gyroscopes) will also benefit from the teachings of the present disclosure and are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. Since accelerometers are almost always operating in one direction, devices with accelerometers tend to require power constantly. However, most of the sensing performed by the accelerometer is not necessary or important for its function. A circuit with an op amp and diode pair as an analog differentiator allows the microprocessor used to process the direct accelerometer output to enter power-off mode and be powered on only when needed Used to change the output of the accelerometer sensor. Such a solution can enable battery-powered controllers used with multimedia centers, gaming systems, computers, etc. to conserve battery power.

  A typical multimedia center is represented in FIG. The multimedia center includes a video display 110, which may be a conventional television receiver with a tuner, a multimedia computer 120, a remote controller 130, a receiver 140 for the remote controller, a LAN 150, a satellite 160, and a worldwide. A plurality of input sources including an interface 170 to the web (WWW) and a television cable input 180. In this illustration, the stereo system 190 under the control of the multimedia computer is shown connected to the multimedia computer 120. However, as is well known in the art, there are many alternative configurations for these components.

  Remote controller 130 is configured as a hand-held motion detection controller adapted to be used as a cursor control device for computer 120. The controller responds to the user's hand movements (eg, up and down, swing and roll), after which the movement is relatively large, fast and accurate movement is large and does not require tiring hand movements Converted to an object or state action in an electronic display that allows it to be accurately defined. The controller is self-contained (ie, inertia) and therefore is not exposed to external noise sources and is not limited to use in any particular location or within any given capacity. More specifically, the resulting controller is at an angle defined by the movement of the controller (ie, a change in the direction of the instruction vector), except for detecting its position relative to a reference device or source. Responsive and can be used when in free space or on a surface. Unlike conventional pointing devices such as sticks or flashlights, it does not require position or vector information to point to other fixed positions. Rather, changes in motion information, i.e., "yaw", "pitch" and "roll" are directly converted to changes in x, y and z coordinates in the display. These coordinates can be used to translate the cursor position on the graphic display or otherwise interact with the graphic user interface. The inertial motion detection controller of the present disclosure may be comprised of a gyroscope or accelerometer based sensor, as described in more detail below.

  An example handheld motion detection controller 200 is depicted in FIG. The controller 200 has a thumb button 205 positioned on the top side of the controller 200 to be selectively activated by the user's thumb. Throughout this specification, actuation of the thumb button 205 is also referred to as “click”, a command often associated with the activation or activation of a selected function. The controller 200 further includes a trigger button 210 positioned on the back side of the controller 200 to be selectively activated by the user's index finger (spring finger). Throughout this specification, the operation of the trigger button 210 is also referred to as “trigger”, and the movement of the controller 200 (eg, up / down movement, swing and / or rollover) while the trigger is pressed is referred to as “trigger drag” Called. Trigger drag commands are often associated with the movement of a cursor, virtual cursor or other indication of the user's interactive location on the display (ie, highlighted or outlined cell), such as a change in state And is generally used for navigation in interactive displays and entry selection from interactive displays.

  The use of a handheld motion detection controller provides many types of user interaction. When a motion detection controller is used, a change in swing is mapped to a left and right movement, a change in vertical movement is mapped to a vertical movement, and a change in rollover is mapped to a rotational movement along the longitudinal axis of the controller. These inputs are used to define a gesture, in other words, a gesture defines a specific context command. As such, a combination of swing and up / down motion may be used to define some two-dimensional motion such as a diagonal line, and a combination of swing, up / down and roll over may be any three-dimensional such as a swing. May be used to define dynamic behavior. A number of gestures are represented in FIG. Gestures are interpreted in context and identified by a defined action of the controller 200 while the trigger button 210 is held (during a trigger drag action).

  Bumping 320 is defined by a two-stroke drawing that indicates an indication in one direction: up, down, left, or right. A bumping gesture is associated with a specific command in the context. For example, in the time shifting mode, the left bump gesture indicates rewind and the right bump gesture indicates fast forward. In other contexts, the bumping gesture 320 is interpreted to increment a specific value in the direction indicated by the bump. Checking 330 is defined as drawing a check mark. It is similar to a downward bump gesture. Checking is specified in the context to represent a reminder or user tag. Circling 340 is defined as drawing a circle in either direction. Both directions can be distinguished. However, to avoid confusion, the circle is identified as a single command regardless of direction. Dragging 350 is defined as the controller's angular motion (up and down motion and / or swing change) while holding the trigger button 210 (ie, during trigger dragging). The dragging gesture 350 is used for navigation, speed, distance, time shift, rewind and fast forward. Dragging 350 can be used to move a cursor, virtual cursor, or state change such as highlighting, outline display or selection on the display. The dragging 350 can be in any direction and is typically used for navigation in two dimensions. However, in certain interfaces it is preferred to change the response to dragging commands. For example, in some interfaces, movement in one dimension or direction is preferred over other dimensions or directions that depend on the cursor position or direction of movement. Nodding 360 is defined by two quick vertical and vertical drag operations. The nodding 360 is used to indicate “OK” (positive response). X-ing 370 is defined as drawing the letter “X”. X-ing 370 is used for “delete” or “block” commands. Wagging 380 is defined by two quick left and right drag operations. The wagging gesture 380 is used to indicate “cancel” (negative response).

  In certain embodiments, three-dimensional movement is used to interact with the game system. A controller, such as the controller 200, detects movement in three axes to replicate the user's body movements. For example, the detected movement may replicate a throwing action or a baseball bat swing. The above interfaces are exemplary and are clearly a teaching of the present disclosure in many types of interfaces.

  Referring to FIG. 4, a block diagram of a handheld motion detection controller 400 according to the present disclosure is provided. Controller 400 may generally operate and function according to the principles described for controller 200 in FIG. 2 above. In general, the controller 400 detects the movement of the controller 400, outputs a detection signal in response to the movement, processes the detection signal output from the sensor 402, and outputs a control signal based on the detection signal. A processing circuit 404 for output and a transceiver 406 for transmitting control signals to a receiver of an external system, for example, the receiver 140 of the multimedia center shown in FIG. The processing circuit 404 may be implemented in any of a variety of known hardware configurations including, but not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or a digital signal processor (DSP). Memory 408 may be coupled to processing circuit 404 and may store executable instructions required by processing circuit 404 and / or control code for various components of the multimedia center. The transceiver 406 is a Bluetooth interconnect, an infrared interconnect, generally WiFi or IEEE (The Institute of Electric and Electronics Engineers) standard 802.11. Wireless transmit connectivity, including computer digital signal transmission and reception, called X (where X represents the type of transmission), or any other type that will be or will be developed for transmitting and receiving data wirelessly It operates under any of a variety of known wireless protocols including, but not limited to, any communication protocol or system.

  The controller 400 further includes various input / output devices that add functions to the controller 400. An input device 410 is provided on the controller 400 for inputting information and selectively activating functions. Such an input device 410 may include a thumb button 205, a trigger button 210, a numeric keypad, and a microphone. An output device may also be placed on or in the controller 400 to provide feedback to the user. Exemplary output devices may include an audio output 412 such as a speaker or buzzer and a haptic (ie, touch based) feedback device 414 such as an actuator that applies force or vibration to the controller 400.

  Of course, the system bus combines the various components of the controller 400 described above and includes various types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. It can be either.

  A power source (eg, a battery) is included to provide power to the appropriate components of controller 400 that require power for operation. The power management circuit 418 is coupled to the power source 416 and selectively supplies or disables power to the various components of the controller 400. For example, when the controller 400 is stationary and not in use, the power management circuit 418 disables power to certain components that use large amounts of power, such as the processing circuit 404, and the controller 400 is in use. However, power may be supplied to the essential components needed to indicate that the sensor 402 needs to be activated. Of course, the controller 400 operates in at least two modes of operation: a power off mode and a power on mode. The power off mode is initiated when the controller is not in use and is stationary. In power off mode, unnecessary components are turned off or turned off to save power 416. The power off mode may be initiated by manual input via a button or may be based on a timer. In timer-based embodiments, the power off mode is initiated when a predetermined time period elapses between user inputs or between motion detections. In one embodiment, the processing circuit 404 performs a timing function and communicates to the power management circuit 418 to enter a power off mode (via a power off mode signal or a power disable signal) via connection 424 for power management. Circuit 418 selectively powers off or stops the component. In other embodiments, the power management circuit 418 includes a timer or timing circuit to determine when to enter the power off mode.

  The power-on mode starts when the controller starts up, for example, when the controller is first turned on and when it operates after it is in the power-off mode, i.e. when motion is detected after a period of inactivity. Is done. In the power on mode, all components are activated or turned on via the power supply 416. The power on mode is initiated when motion is detected by the motion detection circuit 420. Motion detection circuit 420 is coupled to sensor 420 to receive a sensing signal via connection 422 and is further coupled to power management circuit 418 to initiate a power-on mode via connection 426. When the motion detection circuit 420 determines that a motion has occurred in the controller 400 based on the detection signal received from the sensor 402, the motion detection circuit 420 generates a power on mode signal or a power enable signal, and the power on mode A signal or power enable signal is transmitted to power management circuit 418 via connection 426. The power management circuit 418 then supplies power to the various components of the controller to enable all functions.

  In one embodiment, sensor 402 is a three-axis accelerometer that outputs three individual signals that are proportional to the acceleration of the sensor in the x, y, and z axes, respectively. The output of the accelerometer always has a non-zero value in at least one direction, except when it falls free in space. The reason for this non-zero value in at least one direction is that the gravitational constant always pulls the accelerometer in the direction of the ground. FIG. 5 represents the accelerometer output voltage vector 502 when the controller 400 is stationary and the top of the accelerometer placed on the controller 400 points in a direction away from the ground. The Z output has a continuous invariant voltage represented by vector 502, and the X and Y outputs have no output. The vector can point in any direction based on the orientation of the accelerometer, for example when the controller is lying on a table or couch. Since one of the X, Y or Z outputs always has a non-zero value signal, the detector is required to detect the change in acceleration as a derivative of acceleration with respect to the derivative of time (dA / dt). .

  Referring to FIG. 6, a block diagram of an embodiment of motion detection circuit 620 is shown. The motion detection circuit 620 operates in the same manner as the motion detection circuit 420 described in FIG. The motion detection circuit 620 includes an absolute value differentiator 604 so as to detect the absolute value of the acceleration change dA / dt. By using the differentiator 604, the motion detection circuit 620 detects only when the acceleration output from the sensor changes without being affected by the orientation of the sensor 402. The motion detection circuit 620 further includes an adder circuit 602 to sum the three axis input values from the sensor 402, i.e., x, y and z values.

  Referring to FIG. 7, a circuit diagram of an example motion detection circuit 720 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. The motion detection circuit 720 includes an adder circuit 702 and an absolute value differentiator 704. The adder circuit 702 has an input for each of the three-axis outputs received from the sensor 402, that is, an input 706 for the X-axis output, an input 708 for the Y-axis output, and an input 710 for the Z-axis output. Each input 706, 708, 710 has a capacitor in series with a resistor, for example C1X and R1X, C1Y and R1Y, C1Z and R1Z, and is summed at a common node 712. The value added at node 712 is then sent to differentiator 704. The differentiator 704 includes an operational amplifier 714, a first diode 716, a second diode 718, a second resistor R2, and a third resistor R3. When the component selection is limited to 2 × R1 = 2 × R3 = R2, the output for gain 1 is absolute value output = R2 × C1 dA / dt, where dA / dt is the acceleration over time Is a change.

  The gain change of amplifier 714 sets the change in acceleration required to initiate controller 400 power-on mode. That is, the gain of amplifier 714 can be adjusted to produce a threshold that the change in acceleration should exceed before the power on mode signal or power enable signal is generated. Resistor R2 can be adjusted to increase the gain. By setting the gain of the differentiator 704, an input threshold for activating the power on mode signal or the power enable signal can be set.

  Installing the motion detection circuit 720 allows the power to be turned on only when the controller 400 enters the power off mode indefinitely and the accelerometer is moved a predetermined amount, eg, when the controller 400 is lifted To. By including a threshold, the controller 400 does not enter a power-on mode in an unintended operation, for example, if the user hits a table where the controller is located. In the power off mode, power retention or saving is achieved because no current is drawn from the center 402 or accelerometer and no current is drawn to the power source 416 when the device is stationary. In addition, the capacitors, ie the direct current (DC) of C1X, C1Y, C1Z, separate the output from the accelerometer. Keeping a stable voltage independent of the DC path to ground makes power usage as low as possible.

  Referring to FIG. 8, a circuit diagram of an exemplary motion detection circuit 820 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Functionally, the motion detection circuit 820 of FIG. 8 operates in the same manner as the motion detection circuit 720 of FIG. In this embodiment, an absolute differential value 804 is provided for each axis input. Although the figure only shows the differentiator 804 for the X input axis, of course, the differentiator for the Y and Z axis inputs is the same. The output of each differentiator 804 is then sent to an adder circuit 802. The adder circuit 802 may be an OR gate 822 in this embodiment.

  Of course, the sensor 402 in FIG. 4 may be other known three-axis motion sensing devices such as a gyroscope-based sensor. Although the above embodiment describes the absolute value differential output based on acceleration, velocity, position, angular velocity, etc. may be used as other output parameters of the motion detection device. In addition, the controller device described in FIGS. 2 and 4 may be used with media devices other than television receivers and set-top boxes, such as game consoles, computers, and presentation consoles.

  Referring to FIG. 9, a flow diagram of an example method for saving power in a wireless handheld motion detection controller is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The steps of the flow diagram are described primarily with respect to the controller 400, but may be equally applicable to other embodiments, including the embodiments shown in FIGS. First, in step 902, the controller 400 is turned on by operating an on / off switch or installing a power source (eg, a battery) in the controller 400. When the power source of the controller 400 is turned on, the controller 400 enters a power on mode, and power is supplied via the power management circuit 418. In step 904, the timer begins to measure a time period between at least two user inputs to the controller 400 or between at least two movements detected by the movement detection circuit 420. As described above, the timer may be part of the processing circuit 404 or the power management circuit 418.

  Next, at step 906, the processing circuit 404 determines whether any movement is detected, that is, whether the processing circuit 404 has received any detection signal from the sensor 402. If processing circuit 404 receives the detection signal, processing circuit 404 processes the motion and / or transmits the signal to transceiver 406 at step 908. The method then returns to step 904 to restart the timer. In this way, the timer is reset each time motion is processed. If no motion is detected at step 906, the method proceeds to step 910 to determine if the timer has exceeded a predetermined time period. The time period varies depending on the application or user control, but can usually range from 10 seconds to 10 minutes. If the timer has not exceeded the predetermined time period, the method waits at step 912 and returns to step 906.

  If no timer is exceeded at step 910 after no motion is detected, the controller 400 enters a power off mode at step 914. In the power off mode, unnecessary components (eg, processing circuitry 404) are powered off or shut down to conserve power source 416. In one embodiment, the processing circuit 404 performs a timing function and tells the power management circuit 418 to enter a power off mode. At this time, the power management circuit 418 selectively turns off or stops the components. In other embodiments, the power management circuit 418 includes a timer or timing circuit to determine when to enter the power off mode and selectively power off or stop the component.

  While the controller 400 is stationary, only certain components have power (eg, at least sensor 402 and motion detection circuit 420). By turning off other components, such as processing circuit 404, power is saved. With power supplied only to the selected component, the motion detection circuit 420 determines, in step 916, the respective output of the sensor, eg, the three axes of the accelerometer, to determine if a motion that exceeds a predetermined threshold has occurred. Monitor the output. As described above, the motion detection circuit 420 generates a power-on mode signal when there is a differential operation in any one axis exceeding a predetermined threshold. If motion is detected at step 916, the controller 400 enters a power on mode at step 918. Here, the motion detection circuit 420 transmits a power on mode signal to the power management circuit 418. The power management circuit 418 then supplies power to the necessary components of the controller 400 for all functions. Further, if motion is detected, the method returns to step 904.

  In other embodiments of the present disclosure, a controller, such as controller 400, has all the components shown in FIG. 4 except for power management circuitry. In this embodiment, the processing circuit 404 performs the timing function and turns off its power when it enters the power off mode, or puts itself in the lowest power consumption state. Motion detection circuit 420 is coupled to processing circuit 404 via connection 428 and transmits a power on mode signal, eg, an interrupt, to processing circuit 404 upon motion detection. All other components and functions are the same as those described above, and therefore the details will not be repeated.

  While embodiments incorporating the teachings of this disclosure have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can still readily conceive of many other modified embodiments that incorporate those teachings. A preferred embodiment (exemplary, but not limiting) of a power saving circuit for a portable motion sensing “airborne” indicating device and a method of saving power in such a device with an accelerometer is described. However, it is known that modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. Accordingly, it is to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments disclosed, and such changes are within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (14)

A sensor that detects movement of the device as a part of user input by the device and outputs a detection signal including a plurality of signals indicating movement in each of a plurality of axial directions in response to the movement;
A power management circuit coupled to the output of the sensor, receiving the detection signal, obtaining an added value of the plurality of signals in each of the plurality of axial directions, and an absolute value of a change in the added value exceeding a threshold value; A motion detection circuit for supplying an activation signal to
The power management circuit coupled to the motion detection circuit and enabling power to circuitry in the apparatus after receiving the enable signal from the motion detection circuit;
A processing circuit coupled to the sensor and the power management circuit,
The processing circuit processes the detection signal output from the sensor to determine a command as a result of the user input after power to the processing circuit is enabled by the power management circuit.
apparatus. The motion detection circuit differentiates the detection signal from the sensor;
The apparatus of claim 1. The power management circuit disables power to the processing circuit when no motion is detected in a predetermined time period;
The apparatus of claim 1. The sensor is a three-axis motion detector.
The apparatus of claim 1. The motion detection circuit is configured to detect an absolute value of a change in at least one of the three axes;
The apparatus according to claim 4. The motion detection circuit includes an operational amplifier differentiator to detect an absolute value of a change in acceleration of at least one of the three axes.
The apparatus according to claim 5. The gain of the differentiator is adjustable to set a signal threshold;
The apparatus according to claim 6. A power saving method in a wireless portable motion detection controller,
Detecting a movement of the controller by a sensor as a part of a user input by the controller, and outputting a detection signal including a plurality of signals indicating movement in a plurality of axial directions in response to the movement;
Obtaining an absolute value of a change in an added value of the plurality of signals in each of the plurality of axial directions;
Determining whether the absolute value exceeds a threshold;
Enabling power to a processing circuit to further process the detection signal when the absolute value exceeds the threshold;
Processing the sensed signal by the processing circuit in response to the movement to determine a command as a result of the user input. The step of determining includes differentiating the detection signal from the sensor;
The power saving method according to claim 8. The power saving method of claim 8, further comprising disabling power to the processing circuit if no motion is detected for a predetermined time period. The sensor is a three-axis motion detection device.
The power saving method according to claim 8. The step of determining includes determining an absolute value of a change in acceleration of at least one of the three axes;
The power saving method according to claim 11. The threshold is adjustable;
The power saving method according to claim 8. Means for detecting movement of the controller by means of a sensor as part of a user input by the controller, and in response to the movement, outputting a detection signal including a plurality of signals indicating movement in a plurality of axial directions;
Means for obtaining an absolute value of a change in an added value of the plurality of signals in each of the plurality of axial directions;
Means for determining whether the absolute value exceeds a threshold;
Means for enabling power to a processing circuit to further process the detection signal when the absolute value exceeds the threshold;
Means for processing the detection signal by the processing circuit in response to the movement to determine a command as a result of the user input.

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