Acoustic Drone Control for Sensor Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for controlling sensor-containing electronic devices using aerial vehicles face challenges in timing synchronization, leading to increased power consumption and inefficiency, particularly in battery-powered devices distributed across large areas.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using an aerial vehicle to generate audio characteristic features, such as modulated operating frequencies, which are detected by smart sensing devices to trigger specific actions, allowing for selective activation and data transmission while maintaining low power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If smart sensing devices transmit sensor data periodically to reduce timing requirements, then the need for precise drone timing is reduced, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic signals as an intermediary communication channel between the drone and smart sensing devices. The drone emits acoustic signals that serve as control commands, allowing devices to respond without continuous or periodic wireless transmission, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional wireless communication mechanism with acoustic signal-based control. Instead of devices continuously or periodically transmitting data wirelessly, the drone uses acoustic signals to trigger device actions, substituting the wireless transmission mechanism with acoustic field interaction to reduce energy consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If smart sensing devices use wireless transmission for data communication, then data can be transmitted remotely, but the system becomes more complex and power-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses acoustic signals as an intermediary to simplify the communication system. Instead of complex wireless transmission protocols, the drone emits acoustic signals that directly trigger device responses, reducing system complexity while maintaining remote operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic signal serves multiple functions: it acts as both the control command transmission medium and the triggering mechanism for device actions. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate wireless transmission systems, reducing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If the drone arrives at the predefined schedule to intercept sensor data, then data can be collected efficiently, but timing synchronization becomes critical and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The drone emits acoustic signals in advance to trigger device actions before the actual data collection moment. This preliminary action eliminates the need for precise timing synchronization, as the acoustic signal serves as an advance notice that initiates the device's response sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses acoustic signals as a feedback mechanism where the drone communicates its presence and control intentions to devices. The devices respond to these acoustic feedback signals, creating a simplified control loop that eliminates complex timing synchronization requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient control of sensor devices with reduced power usage, allowing for selective data gathering and transmission without the need for precise timing synchronization, thereby optimizing energy efficiency and operational simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
the control system circuitry is configured to process the audio signal for detection of an audio characteristic feature representing an operating parameter of a propulsion system of an aerial vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device comprises a sensor arrangement, a control system operable to obtain sensor data from the sensor arrangement, and a microphone configured to provide an audio signal representing sound waves received by the microphone. The control system processes (102) the audio signal for detection of an audio characteristic feature, ACF, representing an operating parameter of a propulsion system in an aerial vehicle, and, upon said detection, performs (104) a dedicated action related to the sensor data. The dedicated action may comprise obtaining and/or transmitting at least part of the sensor data. To control the electronic device, the aerial vehicle is configured to, intermittently while on a flight path, cause its propulsion system (22) to impart a predefined and audible modification of an operating parameter of the propulsion system (22) to thereby generate sound waves that include the ACF.