Always-On Shock And Orientation Detection With Low-Power Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard warranties for electronic devices do not cover physical damage caused by user-induced shock events, leading to fraudulent claims and unnecessary repairs by companies.
Innovation Solution
Implement shock and orientation detection using low-power hardware that continuously monitors device motion and orientation, storing data in non-volatile memory to assess warranty validity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shock detection and orientation detection are performed continuously, then the ability to evaluate warranty claims is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of detection components based on device motion status. When the device is detected to be stationary, shock detection and gyroscope measurements are suspended to conserve power. When motion is detected, the system activates full detection capabilities. This dynamic state change allows the system to maintain high reliability for warranty evaluation while significantly reducing average power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic monitoring using accelerometer measurements to assess device motion status. Instead of continuous full detection, the system periodically checks whether the device is stationary and uses this information to gate the activation of more power-intensive detection functions. This periodic gating mechanism enables reliable shock detection capability while managing power consumption through intermittent operation of detection subsystems.
2Use of energy by moving object
If motion detection is used to gate shock detection, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to detect all shock events may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary motion detection using accelerometers to determine whether the device is in a stationary state before activating full shock detection. This preliminary assessment allows the system to proactively suspend power-intensive detection functions when unnecessary, while ensuring that when motion is detected, comprehensive shock detection is immediately activated to capture any shock events. This preliminary gating action maintains detection completeness while optimizing 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
Enables companies to accurately evaluate warranty claims by detecting shock events and orientations, reducing fraudulent claims and conserving power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the device performs motion detection using accelerometer measurements in order to detect movement of the device
Implementation Method 2
In case the device is determined to be in motion, shock detection, gyroscope measurements, and orientation detection are performed
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to shock and orientation detection for an electronic device. The shock detection detects shock events, such as an accidental drop of the device, and the orientation detection detects the orientation of the device at the time of the detected shock event. The detected shock event and orientations are stored in non-volatile memory. The shock and orientation detection are implemented in low power hardware without any host intervention, and may be implemented as an always-on feature that executes even when the device is in an off or low power state.