System and method for minimizing power consumption for an object sensor
US7643950B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jan 5, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06V40/13
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method is disclosed for minimizing power consumption of a sensor unit that is capable of detecting an object. Main circuitry operates the sensor unit in a high power mode of operation when the sensor unit detects an object. Low power control circuitry operates the sensor unit in a low power mode of operation when the sensor unit does not detect an object within a pre-determined period of time. The low power control circuitry also comprises a counter to periodically determine when to restore the sensor unit to a high power mode of operation. One advantageous embodiment of the sensor unit is a fingerprint sensor unit for detecting a finger to obtain fingerprint information.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.