Active Sensor Circuitry for Low Power Event Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low power wireless sensor networks, particularly acoustic sensors, face significant power consumption challenges due to prolonged monitoring periods with minimal activity, where typical 'sleep' modes only partially reduce power usage, leaving a substantial portion of the power budget allocated to idle periods.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of active sensor circuitry with early event detection and control circuitry that utilizes a transducer and detection circuitry to monitor external stimuli, minimizing power consumption by shutting down downstream processing and transmission circuits until an anticipated event is detected, and employing signal classification and control mechanisms to ensure accurate event detection and minimize unnecessary transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the sensor assembly operates in sleep mode with downstream circuitry shut down, then power consumption is reduced to 10-50% of normal operation, but the transducer and detection circuitry still consume significant power during idle monitoring periods
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is segmented into distinct functional blocks: transducer, detection circuitry, downstream processing circuitry, and radio transmitter. Each block can be independently controlled and shut down. The invention specifically segments the monitoring function into early event detection circuitry that operates at minimal power while downstream circuitry is completely powered down during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The early event detection circuitry performs preliminary screening of environmental stimuli before activating downstream circuitry. The transducer and detection circuitry continuously monitor for anticipated events at low power, and only when an event is detected does the system activate the power-intensive downstream processing and transmission circuitry.
2Reliability
If acoustic sensors continuously monitor environmental stimuli, then event detection capability is maintained, but power consumption remains high during idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on event detection. The early event detection circuitry operates continuously at low power to detect events, while downstream circuitry dynamically transitions between powered-down and active states. This dynamic operation allows reliable event detection while minimizing power consumption during extended idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The early event detection circuitry acts as an intermediary between the transducer and downstream processing circuitry. It receives raw signals from the transducer, performs initial processing to detect anticipated events, and only activates downstream circuitry when events are detected. This intermediary layer enables the system to maintain event detection capability while keeping power consumption low during idle periods.
3Speed
If downstream processing and transmission circuitry remain active, then immediate event processing is possible, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The downstream processing and transmission circuitry operates periodically rather than continuously. The early event detection circuitry continuously monitors for events, and when an event is detected, it triggers periodic activation of the downstream circuitry for brief processing and transmission periods, followed by shutdown. This periodic operation maintains event processing capability while dramatically reducing overall power consumption.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the sensor assembly reduces monitoring activity to save power, then power consumption decreases, but detection precision and reliability of event detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different operational qualities to different functional blocks. The early event detection circuitry operates continuously with high sensitivity to detect events, while downstream processing circuitry operates intermittently with full processing capability when needed. This local differentiation of operational quality allows the system to maintain high detection precision while managing power consumption.
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 allows for low power and low duty cycle operation, significantly reducing overall power consumption by maintaining minimal power usage during monitoring periods and ensuring accurate event detection, thereby optimizing power usage and reducing unnecessary signal transmissions.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer responsive to the stimuli by providing a corresponding transducer signal
Data Source
AI summary
Active sensor circuitry for operating at low power and a low duty cycle while monitoring for an occurrence of an anticipated event.